t.05.2014

£4.20 May 2014 ISSUE 223

6

FULL

BUILDS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com

RHINOCEROS

ARMED AND DANGEROUS Our in-depth build of Tamiya’s 1:35 Sd.Kfz.164 ‘Nashorn’ tank destroyer continues

SEAL OF APPROVAL Bronco’s 1:35 Seehund Type XX VIIB midget submarine

MINIATURE MITSUBISHI MARVEL!

Tamiya’s 1:72 A6M3 Zero; the clipped-wing ‘Hamp’

Meng 1:35 Leopard 1, Wingnut Wings Fokker D.VII, Tamiya 1:48 US airfield fuel-truck previewed, plus kits, books and accessories…

p 01 CoverTMMI 223MN.indd 1

31/03/2014 17:53

www.hobbyco.net Find us on facebook search Tamiya UK

p 02 HobbyCo 223.indd 8

02/04/2014 10:46

Issue 223 May 2014 EDITOR Marcus Nicholls editor@tamiyamodelmagazine.com

Contents Co Cont MINIATURE MITSUBISHI MARVEL! Tamiya’s 1:72 A6M3 Zero ‘Hamp’ PAGE 10

8 DOUBLE KIT PREVIEW Moebius 1:6 Lost in Space Robot B9 Moebius Mars Attacks Martian figure 16 KIT PREVIEW Tamiya 1:48 US 2½ ton 6x6 Airfield Fuel Truck 18 HIGHWAY STAR Revell 1:25 2011 International Prostar truck 28 KIT PREVIEW Revell 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IIa 29 ACCESSORY PREVIEW ParaGrafix photo-etched detail sets for science-fiction kits 36 ACCESSORY PREVIEW 1:32 Wings Cockpit Figures 38 KIT PREVIEW Aoshima 1:24 McLaren F1 GTR Pre-season testing 1997 40 MELLOW YELLOW Wingnut Wings 1:32 Fokker D.VII in an eye-catching scheme

RHINOCEROS; ARMED AND DANGEROUS PT.2 Work on Tamiya’s 1:35 ‘Nashorn’ tank-destroyer continues PAGE 30

46 BUNDESWEHR BRUISER Meng’s 1:35 Leopard 1 A3/4 in a NATO three-colour scheme 54 NEW RELEASES KITS New model kits reviewed, including Revell USA, Monogram, AMT and Polar Lights 58 BOOK REVIEWS New scale-modelling related titles 60 NEW RELEASES ACCESSORIES New and recently issued modelling accessories 64 CONTACTS Where to buy the products used and reviewed in TMMI

SEAL OF APPROVAL Bronco 1:35 Seehund Type XXVIIB midget-sub PAGE 22

Do you live outside the UK and want Tamiya Model Magazine delivered direct to your home, anywhere in the world?

Just email us at; enquiries@adhpublishing.com Or call +44 (0)1525 222573, fax +44 (0)1525 222574 GMT Subscription rates for 1 year (12 issues) are: Within UK: £44, Europe: £56, Worldwide/USA: £69 ($115 US aprx)

66 THE EDITOR’S PAGE The Editor’s thoughts on scale modelling topics

Join TMMI at facebook.com!

HOW TO CONTACT US:

TELEPHONE: (UK) 01525 222573 FAX: (UK) 01525 222574 EDITORIAL EMAIL: editor@tamiyamodelmagazine.com ALL OTHER ENQUIRIES: enquiries@adhpublishing.com ADDRESS: ADH Publishing,

Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK Tamiya Model Magazine is published monthly by ADH Publishing.

Reproduction in part or whole of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

While due care is taken to ensure the contents of Tamiya Model Magazine is accurate, the publishers and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions.

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 03 Contents 223MN.indd 3

3

31/03/2014 17:57

Newsdesk IN BRIEF...

TAMIYA hobbyco.net 1:10 RC Toyota Land Cruiser Masterwork Collection No.137 1/35 JGSDF Type 10 Tank Armored Division, Fuji School (Finished Model) DRAGON hobbyco.net 1:35 Type 95 Light Tank Ha-Go Late Prod.

StuG.III ausf.G 1943 Alkett production w/ schurzen

If you have news of forthcoming model, armour, aircraft or car events, changes of address or just interesting information to share, please write to: TMMI Newsdesk, ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK. Tel: 07904 635 694 Fax: 01525 222574 Email: editor@tamiyamodelmagazine.com

NEW FROM TAMIYA

1:14 RC TRACTOR TRUCK FREIGHTLINER CASCADIA EVOLUTION Tamiya’s 1:14 radio-control trucks are magnificent creations and some of the most impressive working scale models you’ll ever see. The latest is the ‘Freightliner Cascadia Evolution’, a modern, US style machine with aerodynamic styling, a really handsome machine. More news on this kit soon! www.hobbyco.net

HAULER creativemodels.co.uk 1:35 Krankenschlittens (ambulance-sled) 1:72 Blohm & Voss BV-40 1:48 PE and resin set for Tamiya BA-64B kit 1:35 Shopping cart 1:87 BTR-70 full kit MASTERBOX creativemodels.co.uk 1:35 ‘accident’ Soviet and German military men summer 1941 MILICAST www.milicast.com 1:76 Bergepanzer III 1:76 Scammell Pioneer R100 1:76 QF 6pdr. (26cwt) Howitzer 1:76 QF 7.2” Mk.I/IV)) Howitzer 1:76 M7 Priest (Late) 1:76 Diamond T968 1:76 Diamond T968 w/ US109 4.5” Howitzer 1:76 Diamond T968 (w/ tilt cover) 1:76 French Somua S35 Medium Tank 1:76 Sturm. 33B 150mm SPG 1:76 Bergepanther (Earliest) w/ 20mm Flakvierling (Abt.653 Russia) MINIART creativemodels.co.uk 1:35 ZIS-3 gun emplacement

NEW FROM MASTER BOX 1:72 Mk.I BRITISH TANKS NEW FROM TOMMY'S WAR 1:32 THORNYCROFT TYPE J

On the way soon from British producer Tommy's War are two 1:32/54mm resin kits of the Thornycroft Type J lorry, a vehicle that served during the First World War. The kits are available as general service (below) or antiaircraft variants, (above). www.tommyswar.com

Master Box are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One with new-tool 1:72 kits of the British 'lozenge' tank, one of which (Female Mk.I) has been completed by Martin Kováč (article coming soon to TMMI). The Mk.I 'Male' is also on release. www.creativemodels.co.uk

PERFECT SCALE MODELBAU hobbyco.net 1:35 Gama Goat covers, cabin PLUS MODEL hobbyco.net 1:35 Sorted waste containers

4

May 2014 TMMI 223

p 04-06 NewsDesk 223MN.indd 4

31/03/2014 17:13

com

www.grandprixmodels.com

Triumph TR6 SCCA Group 44 1:43 resin & metal kit by RPM Models

NEW FROM REVELL 1:24 TRABANT 601 UNIVERSAL The next 1:24 classic car from Revell will be the funky little Trabant 601 Universal, ideal for dioramas and vintage car collections! Full detail inside and out, with engine too. www.revell.de/en

Peugeot 405T16 1st Pikes Peak 1988/89 1:24 resin kit by Renaissance

WIN REVELL KITS! Win the 1:72 Nashorn tank-destroyer

Ducati 1199 Panigale S 2013 1:12 plastic kit by Tamiya TMMI is offering you the chance to win some cool Revell kits of all types, scales and subjects! This time, it’s the 1:72 Nashorn tank-destroyer

NEW FROM MINIART 1:35 GAZ-AAA QUAD M4 MAXIM MG MOUNT MiniArt's next 1:35 truck kit will be the GAZ-AAA with quad M4 Maxim MG mount, a subject much in demand. Expect excellent detail and fit of parts. www.creativemodels.co.uk

p 04-06 NewsDesk 223MN.indd 5

All you need to do is answer this question; Q; In the German language, what is a ‘Nashorn’?

McLaren MP4-23 Brazil 2008 Hamilton 1:12 resin & metal kit by Model Factory Hiro

You can email your answers to the address below or send a postcard to our main office address. Please don’t forget to add your name and postal address so we can send you your prize!

In addition to over 250 ranges of models, Grand Prix Models also publish our own magazine, Four Small Wheels.

competitions@tamiyamodelmagazine.com 1:72 NASHORN competition Tamiya Model Magazine International ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK In conjunction with Revell Ltd. www.revell.de/en

Please contact us for details and free sample copies

Grand Prix Models

4 Thorpe Close, Thorpe Way Banbury, Oxon, OX16 4SW. Telephone UK 01295 278070 Fax 01295 278072 from outside UK +44 1295 278070 Fax +44 1295 278072 mail@grandprixmodels.com

31/03/2014 17:13

Newsdesk

If you have news of forthcoming model, armour, aircraft or car events, changes of address or just interesting information to share, please write to: TMMI Newsdesk, ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK Tel: 01525 222573 Fax: 01525 222574 Email: modmagint@aol.com

NEW FROM REVELL 1:32 MOSQUITO MK.IV

Revell have re-issued their large-scale kit of the DeHavilland Mosquito, still an impressive production even though it's a few years old.

On sale soon in good model shops. www.revell.de/en

NEW FROM REVELL

1:72 Nashorn tank-destroyer 1:144 US Navy LSM 'Landing Ship Medium' www.revell.de/en

NEW FROM BRONCO AND RIICH 1:35 MAXXPRO, TOPOLINO VAN AND SWS New from Bronco is the US MaxxPro MRAP in 1:35, Italian light delivery van (Topolino) with nun (!) and sWs cargo version, with newly tooled parts. www.hannants.co.uk

ON THE WAY SOON IN TMMI...

Coming to TMMI soon is Takom's impressive new 1:35 kit of the WW1 French 'St Chamond' tank in full, multi-colour camouflage and heavily weathered finish. An amazing new kit - read the review soon! www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com

NEW FROM REVELL 1:72 DGZRS LIFEBOAT

The DgzRS (Seenotrettungsboot) 9.5m is an attractive and colourful subject, and this 1:72 kit of the vessel is on its way soon. No weathering please! www.revell.de/en

6 6May November 2014 TMMI 2006 223 TMMI 133

p 04-06 NewsDesk 223MN.indd 6

02/04/2014 15:46

www.creativemodels.co.uk

Mod

el b

yW ayn

eH

ui

lb

de

Mo

re

oo

yM

rem

e yJ

Get Creative!

HOBBYBOSS, VALLEJO, MODEL MASTER, MINIART, MASTER BOX, AK INTERACTIVE, MIG PRODUCTIONS, PLUS MODEL AND MANY MORE...

Unit 6-10, Honeysome Ind Est., Honeysome Road, Chatteris, Cambs. PE16 6TG

www.creativemodels.co.uk Tel: +44(0)1354 760022

p 07 CreativeModels 223.indd 1

26/03/2014 12:13

KIT PREVIEW MOEBIUS 1:6 ROBOT B9 FROM LOST IN SPACE ● KIT NO.939

WARNING! WARNING! MODEL KIT APPROACHING! The classic ‘Robot B9’ from the 1960s TV show 'Lost in Space' is now available as a premium model kit

R

obot B9 is one of the most iconic designs to grace our TV screens and now, Moebius have treated us to a brand-new kit of the character in injection plastic. The kit is 1:6, so it's big! And highly detailed too; the model is moulded in fine grey polystyrene with raised and recessed detail where appropriate, plus photo-etched screens for the lower torso moulding. Clear inserts are provided for the robot's chest panel and the head features a detailed 'brain' structure within the clear 'cranium'. The B9 design features flexible grey legs, arms and neck and the kit comes with these

parts formed from grey vinyl, replicating the original well. It will be worth scouring the internet for photo references when building this model and if you're feeling brave, it might be possible to rig the model with LED lighting too. A fantastic kit of a TV icon and it will prove to be a very satisfying modelling project. ● MODEL SPEC SCALE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:6 MATERIALS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IM, V, PE UK IMPORT AND DISTRIBUTION: www.moebiusmodels.com TMMI’S OPINION? Wonderful TV robot, now a top-grade kit with excellent detail

Moebius offer some fine detail in this kit, moulded in pale grey polystyrene which is free from flaws; no sink marks, flash or other defects. The clear parts are perfect and the inclusion of photo-etched screens is a real plus. If you know what you’re doing with LED lighting, this would be a good subject kit.

KIT PREVIEW MOEBIUS MARS ATTACKS MARTIAN WARRIOR ● KIT NO.936

NASTY INVADER FROM MARS! Topps trading cards are where the

A

gruesome Martians from the Mars Attacks series originated and now Moebius have replicated this nasty little fellow in plastic kit form...

s the backstory in the instructions describes, the Topps ‘Mars Attacks’ trading cards were originally published in 1962 and became the biggest selling, non-sports collectors-cards ever. They featured appalling-looking aliens with massive brains housed in clear helmets, grimacing menacingly and brandishing rayguns. Back in 1996, the Tim Burton-directed film was released but Moebius’ kit depicts the original Martian from the cards, complete with melted victim in a street-scene display-base.

Parts of the Martian figure are moulded in slightly translucent white polystyrene, with Moebius’

8

regular grey plastic being used for the head, raygun, nitrogen bottle and display-base. A length of aluminium tubing is included for the lamp-post.

His clear helmet is formed from two halves and these will need careful cementing to avoid a messy glue-line.

A fabulous, if gruesome kit of a science-fiction kitsch classic; great for horror lovers! ● MODEL SPEC SCALE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . n/a MATERIALS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IM, AT UK IMPORT AND DISTRIBUTION: www.moebiusmodels.com TMMI’S OPINION? Mars Attacks’ nasty little Martian is now available in plastic kit form, complete with oversized brain and melted-victim display base...

All the frightful detail of Topps original extra-terrestrial attacker is captured in plastic in this marvellously over-the-top kit. This will be great fun to paint!

May 2014 TMMI 223

p 08 B9Robot Pre 223MN.indd 8

02/04/2014 15:48

FULL-BUILD: MILITARY AVIATION TAMIYA 1:72 MITSUBISHI A6M3 ZERO FIGHTER MODEL 32 HAMP ● KIT NO.60784

MINIATURE MITSUBISHI MARVEL

Tamiya add to their 1:72 Zero family with the clipped-wing ‘Hamp’.

Spencer Pollard builds the kit, from the box…

10 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 10-15 Zero 223MN.indd 10

31/03/2014 17:15

P

roduced from the autumn of 1942, the Model 32 Zero fighter followed the Model 21 in being used in the conflict in the Pacific theatre. It featured a Sakae 21 engine fitted with two superchargers, and its calling card was a main wing shortened by 50cm on either side and given a squared-off finish. It was the superior of the Model 21 in terms of top speed, climb rate and roll, and thanks to its appearance even (mistakenly) received a different nickname of ‘Hamp’.

IN MINIATURE

This new kit joins two others in Tamiya’s 1:72 range - the Mitsubishi A6M2b and A6M5 Zeke - to allow the modeller the chance to build a fine little collection of these wonderful aircraft. Though also available in other ranges including Airfix and Hasegawa, these new kits are worth checking out thanks to their astonishing levels of detail, fit, surface

features and accuracy.

Even from the box as seen here, this new kit is a show-stopper; add detail and it will be breathtaking.

But enough of the plaudits, what do we actually have in the box?

A CLOSER EXAMINATION

Supplied in one of Tamiya’s excellent boxes decorated by a wonderful painting of our chosen subject, the kit is everything you would expect from this company; well presented, wonderfully moulded, with comprehensive instructions and decals and a level of finesse that screams for you to dig a little deeper and get started. Once removed from their bags, the plastic parts revealed high levels of detail – especially within the cockpit – and surface detail that was easily the best I have seen in a kit in this scale. It is, to all intents and purposes, identical in terms of quality to that found in Tamiya’s second-generation 1:48 kit.

U

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 10-15 Zero 223MN.indd 11

11

31/03/2014 17:15

FULL-BUILD: MILITARY AVIATION TAMIYA 1:72 MITSUBISHI A6M3 ZERO FIGHTER MODEL 32 HAMP ● KIT NO.60784

The cockpit is wonderful from the box. Here it is under construction.

The interior walls are similarly impressive, delicate rub and control details being on offer to the modeller.

The cowling and engine are wonderfully realised and look great once painted, weathered and joined together.

And here they are painted! Note the delicate weathering on the crankcase and the highlighted panel lines on the cowling.

As can be seen here the cockpit is predominantly pale green in colour, with the rear walls coated in aluminium.

Note the seat straps, replaced for this build with tiny strips of Tamiya masking tape.

EXTRA NEEDED V NOTHING Though highlights abound,

it is perhaps within the cockpit that this kit really hits the high notes. Superbly detailed, I really cannot see how it could be improved in this scale, virtually everything that could be wished for being supplied.

Work begins with the instrument panel. This is supplied as a neatly detailed plate that fixes onto the front bulkhead, separate gun breeches, completing the effect. You can paint this little sub-assembly completely – as I did – or elect to use the instrument decals supplied in the kit to decorate the bezels. In terms of colour, I followed the kit instructions almost to the letter, XF-71 Cockpit Green being the predominant shade for these parts, washes of Winsor & Newton oils and a few dabs of Vallejo acrylics being used to further accentuate the detail.

The cockpit being test-fitted within the fuselage. The design of the kit is such that the entire cockpit can be slotted into place after the fuselage has been completely assembled and cleaned up.

With the instrument panel painted, the rear bulkhead, seat and cockpit floor could be dealt with.

The seat and its mounting frame are extremely delicate parts that need care to both remove from their runners and then assemble neatly.

Once again, XF-71 comes into play here, with some carefully applied washes helping to bring out some of the finely moulded details. The kit supplies seat straps as decals, and though I toyed with the idea of using them, decided instead to make my own with fine strips of Tamiya masking tape sprayed with Khaki and then detailed with Vallejo acrylics. Though slightly out of sequence, the cockpit sidewalls were now assembled and then painted, with Tamiya aerosol aluminium spray and more of that Cockpit Green. The

Engine and propeller sub-assemblies.

The real fun with any kit is working on tiny details like these – especially in 1:72!

Almost ready for final assembly. Note the metallic blue green finish inside the wheel wells.

12 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 10-15 Zero 223MN.indd 12

31/03/2014 17:16

icate d the wling.

use of these colours certainly adds to the complexity of the interior, but I’m not sure I would be quite so worried about the aluminium areas, as virtually none of them can be seen in the completed model!

STRAIGHTFORWARD MAIN ASSEMBLY

One of the kit’s great design features is that the fuselage can be completely assembled and cleaned up and then the cockpit slid into place from below, thus reducing the chance of damage to nil.

So, the fuselage halves were joined and then any smaller details fixed in place such as the tailplanes, upper nose panel and the small fillet fixed to the base of the fin. The fit is extraordinary and so no filler at all was needed, only a swipe over with a sanding sponge being needed to remove any trace of the joint line between the two fuselage halves.

The cockpit could now be dropped into a place, a few drips of Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, being used to hold it in place.

The wings are the next to be assembled. The instructions suggest some fairly complex interior decorating, with Metallic Blue Green and Aluminum surfaces to mask and paint.

Though tempting to so this, I simply joined the upper wing panels to the full span lower section and then blocked in the two colours, no masking being used to define the colours, despite what is drawn in the instructions. Once again the fit is terrific, only the slightest dab of glue being necessary to fuse the panels together, before joining the wings and fuselage.

With the airframe complete, attention was turned to the smaller details, beginning with the engine, cowling and propeller.

ENGINE BUILDING AND PAINTING

Work begins with the Sakae 21 engine. This is made up from two banks of cylinders and a separate crankcase, the former painted with Alclad II Dark Iron and the latter, a mid-grey shade mixed in this case from

a 50/50 combination of XF-12 JN Grey and XF-23 Light Blue. The fins on the cylinders looked great coated in Alclad II, but were further defined with a little drybrushed Games Workshop Mithryl Silver, before being detailed with Vallejo Flat Black pushrods and Aluminium cylinder caps. The crankcase was washed with Humbrol Matt Black, thinned with white spirit and then the smaller features picked out with black and aluminium.

The cowling is moulded in one piece and beautifully so, the shape, detail and finesse, being spot on. Having checked for any small moulding seams, the cowling and its rear bulkhead were painted with several thin layers of Tamiya X-18 Semi Gloss Black and then lightened slightly with VERY thin over-sprays of XF-63 German Grey.

This served two purposes: it helped define the panel details and also added a level of weathering that would match the rest of the airframe when that was painted later on. Once dry, the cowling was checked and then the panel lines defined with a delicate wash of Humbrol Medium Sea Grey thinned once more, with white spirit. With any excess wash cleaned off, the completed cowling was set aside to dry thoroughly.

CAMOUFLAGE AND MARKINGS

The Gunze Sangyo glue bottle gives you a fair idea of how tiny this model is!

The Imperial Japanese Navy grey was an almost caramel colour that was replicated in miniature with Mr Hobby Hemp, lightened with a little pale grey.

Tamiya offer three options in their kit, two in pale grey and a third in dark green over grey plumage. The options are as follows: •Tainan Air Group, New Guinea, Buna Air Base, 1942 •2nd Air Group, New Guinea, Buna Air Base, August 1942 •Oita Naval Air Group, Oita Air Base, 1944 Because I have a penchant for aircraft in plain colours – feeling that it tends to show off their lines better than camouflage or darker colours – I chose the first option and so set about working out how to paint this little model. The instructions suggest using one of their new aerosols

U

The model has been sprayed with several thin layers of Tamiya X-22 Clear in readiness for the decals, the finish being not only super-smooth, but also incredibly tough.

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 10-15 Zero 223MN.indd 13

13

31/03/2014 17:16

FULL-BUILD: MILITARY AVIATION TAMIYA 1:72 MITSUBISHI A6M3 ZERO FIGHTER MODEL 32 HAMP ● KIT NO.60784 The model has been completely decalled and weathered and all of the smaller items painted ready for final assembly. It’s great when a kit reaches this point!

The canopy sections have been very carefully painted, Eduard’s excellent masks helping to protect the delicate panels from overspray.

V to paint this model, AS-29

Grey Green (IJN) being that particular colour. As I didn’t have that shade to hand, I surfed the Web and found a site that suggested using RAF Hemp to recreate the distinctive caramel grey shade used on these aircraft.

Further digging seemed to substantiate that idea and so that’s what I went for, Gunze Sangyo’s H336 Hemp, lightened slightly with H315 Gray being mixed and then thinned with Gunze Sangyo Mr Color Thinner. This colour could then be sprayed over the model, but first, I needed to deal with the canopies.

EDUARD MASKS TO THE RESCUE!

There’s no getting away from the fact that these Japanese aircraft had a lot of separately glazed panels that need to be masked very carefully to ensure that the resulting paintwork is neat and in scale. Though I could have used masking tape to do this, recently I’ve begun to invest in Eduard canopy masks where possible, feeling that the results are far neater than anything I can achieve without their use. So, I ordered a set from Hannants and used those to protect the glazing before spraying everything with the Cockpit Green colour used earlier ready for the upper, pale grey top-coat.

SIMPLE PAINT SCHEME

The undercarriage bays were sprayed with Gunze Sangyo Metallic Blue Green and then masked with White

Tack, before sealing in the cockpit with a small block of sponge and some strips of masking tape. I tend to take a fair amount of time whilst masking off these areas as the more I can do now, the less I will need to do in terms of touching up, later on. I was now ready to paint.

No pre-shading was used on this model and so I simply applied a number of thin layers of colour, applying it as I would over a car body shell, in long, even strokes.

I’d thinned the paint with around 50% thinners, so it atomised beautifully and dried quickly to produce an ultra-smooth finish. The beauty of using acrylics – especially those that are solvent based – is that you can begin working on it almost immediately.

Here, that meant adding highlights and shadows with paint thinned down with 80% thinners and then masking panels and control surfaces so that they could be further defined with filtered layers of very thin Tamiya Smoke. All of these surface effects were kept subtle; this is a delicate model and the last thing I wanted was to be able to see these additional layers of paint from some distance away! Happy that the paintwork looked fine, I oversprayed it with several layers of X-22 Clear and set it aside overnight to fully harden.

The main undercarriage units have been fixed in place. That metallic blue colour really pops against the grey, don’t you think?!

Carefully applied shading and highlights certainly break up that finish, as do the layers of Tamiya Smoke that were used to define the control surfaces and impart staining around the engine access panels.

TIME FOR MARKINGS

Decalling is always my favourite aspect of any build as it’s when the model really

14 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 10-15 Zero 223MN.indd 14

31/03/2014 17:16

age d c ps n’t

‘Europe’s Number One Model Shops’ starts to come to life. This project was no different those wonderful markings really making this little Zero’s bland paintwork suddenly liven up. As usual, the decals were applied with the aid of Daco’s Strong Setting Solution and Mr Mark Softer from Gunze Sangyo.

Thanks to the use of the Tamiya Clear coat, this system has proved foolproof over recent months, the result being perfectly applied decals with zero evidence of that dreaded ‘silvering’ we all hate so much.

Having allowed the decals to dry for a few hours – overnight would have been better – the model was given a thin layer of matt varnish before defining the panel lines with some thin raw umber colour-washes in preparation for final assembly.

The first items to add were the undercarriage components, legs, wheels and doors. These are, much like the cockpit, comprehensive detailed and look delicate and in scale once painted and weathered. The instructions are explicit when it comes to painting of the model and so you are left in know doubt what colours you need to use: Aluminium hubs, Rubber Black tyres, black undercarriage legs, Metallic Blue Green door interiors and IJN Grey exteriors, with a thin black wash to accentuate the finer details.

FINAL ADDITIONS

The model could now be completed with the addition of the cowling/engine, propeller, undercarriage, centreline fuel tank and glazing. Though I didn’t mention it earlier, the kit offers the option of an open or closed canopy, the open section fitting perfectly with the aid of a little white glue, the remaining sections being fixed in place with some Johnsons Klear. And that. As they say, was that! ●

www.hannants.co.uk Bronco

CB35085 1:35 British Humber Armoured Car Mk.II....................... £34.99

MODELSPEC TAMIYA 1:72 MITSUBISHI A6M3 ZERO FIGHTER MODEL 32 HAMP KIT NO.60784

Materials;

Injection moulded polystyrene, waterslide decals

Paints used;

Tamiya Acrylics: XF-71 Cockpit Green, XF-12 JN Grey, XF-23 Light Blue, X-22 Clear, XF-63 German Grey Gunze Sangyo: H336 Hemp, H315 Gray, Mr Color Thinner, Metallic Blue Green Humbrol: Matt Black Vallejo: Flat Black Games Workshop: Mithryl Silver Alclad II: Dark Iron

Other materials;

Daco Strong Setting Solution, Gunze Sangyo Mr Mark Softer, Eduard canopy mask

plied ights p that ayers e that efine aces ining ngine nels.

CB35097 1:35 Panzerjaeger II fuer 7.62cm Pak 36 (Sd.Kfz.132) Marder IID ...................................................................... £28.99

CB35107 1:35 US GPW 4x4 Light Utility Truck with 37mm Anti-Tank Gun M3A1 ....................................................... £26.99

CB35113 1:35 Russian Self-Propelled Gun SU-152 (KV-14) April 1943 (early) production ......................................... £36.99

The cowling and propeller in place.

Careful painting brings out the best in these delicate features. Decals were used for the striping on the blades.

CB35159 1:35 WWII US Truck Crew Set.......................................... £7.99

CB35161 1:35 M22 Locust (T9E1) Airborne Tank (British Version) ............................................................. £24.99

H.G.Hannant Ltd, Harbour Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 3LZ, England.

Open from 09.00 to 17.30 Monday to Saturday.

Phone: 00 44 (0)1502 517444 (8 lines) 0845 130 72 48 local rate from UK phones only (NOT mobiles) Fax: 00TMMI 44 (0)1502 500521 223 May 2014 15 E-Mail: sales@hannants.co.uk

p 10-15 Zero 223MN.indd 15

31/03/2014 17:16

KIT PREVIEW TAMIYA 1:48 US 2½ TON 6X6 AIRFIELD FUEL TRUCK ● KIT NO.32579

Tyres and wheels are moulded integrally; just add subtle flat spots.

The grille looks good but a laser-cut item from Limes Models would improve the look; www.limesmodel.hu

GETTIN’ GASSED!

Ladder chassis is an impressive one-piece moulding.

Stan Spooner takes a look at Tamiya’s nearly-new 1:48 US 2½ ton 6x6 Airfield Fuel Truck

R

ecently, I got the chance to look over one of Tamiya’s newest 1:48 kits. The US 2½ ton 6x6 Airfield Fuel Truck is a wonderful addition to their line of kits because it is the perfect vehicle to place in a dio with 1:48 scale aircraft. This kit represents the largest of the US fuel trucks. It was used on all fronts from 1943 on and actually had a long life in civilian use well after the war ended. The kit comes with five sprues

in Tamiya’s familiar green plastic and one small sprue in clear. Lengths of black vinyl tubing and copper wire are provided as well as a nicely printed decal sheet for two different trucks that were used in France.

Of the five green sprues, two A sprues and one B sprue are from the 2007 release of the ‘plain’ GMC truck model. The other two sprues along with the clear parts plus everything else in the kit are all new. The cab represents the hard

top version of the truck but the interior has no pedals included. The overall detail is clean and crisp; typical Tamiya. The hose real and pump are visible from the side of the vehicle and well represented. There is enough tubing provided to extend to the hands of one of the two provided figures if you wish. The two figures that come with the kit represent a fueler and a crewman.

Overall this kit is a clean and easy build and the perfect addition to set along side of any of Tamiya’s 1:48 WWII fighters. So pick a few of these little gems up and start building some wings and wheels! ● MODEL SPEC SCALE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:48 MATERIALS: . . . . . . . . . IM, CW, SVT, WS UK IMPORT AND DISTRIBUTION: hobbyco.net TMMI’S OPINION? A clean and quick build and the perfect partner for any of Tamiya’s 1:48 Allied WWII fighter aircraft models

Figures are extremely well done and add a lot to the model’s presentation.

Engine cover panels sport fine louvres.

The upper part of the fuel tank structure is seen here.

This is what you get in the kit box! A small kit but plenty of parts.

The cab featured in this kit is the GMC ‘hard-cab’ variant.

The kit includes vinyl tubing, copper wire, clear parts and a sheet of waterslide decals with two markings options.

16 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 16 FuelTruck Pre 223MN.indd 16

Fuel tank parts are new mouldings.

31/03/2014 17:17

RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES: BRASSIN (detailed resin parts)

Cat. No. 8283

5 markings Cartograf decals Photo-etched sets Painting mask

648098 648099 648100 648108 648109 648115 648116 648113 648118 648119 648120 648121 648124 648112

Spitfire wheels - 5 spoke Spitfire exhaust stacks fishtail Spitfire Mk.IX cockpit Spitfire drop tank Spitfire 500lb bomb set Spitfire wheels - 4 spoke Spitfire 90gal slipper tank Spitfire Mk.IX gun bay Spitfire wheels - 4 spoke w/pattern Spitfire wheels - 5 spoke, smooth tire Spitfire - radio compartment Spitfire - exhaust stacks rounded Spitfire undercarriage legs BRONZE Spitfire Mk.IX engine

PHOTO-ETCHED SETS

a ry, 1949 LF Mk.IXe, 101st Tayeset, Hatzor Air Base, Janua January,

HF Mk.IXe, RK889, 5. Eskadrille, Danish Royal Air Force, Karup Air Base, Late 40‘s, Early 50‘s

49660 49646 48766 49639 48765

Spitfire Mk. IXc early version Spitfire Mk. IXc Weekend Spitfire Mk. IX surface panels Spitfire Mk. IXc Spitfire Mk. IXc landing flaps

648121

648112

LF Mk.IXe, RK856, Flown by Maj. Cecil Golding, CO of No. 3 Squadron SAAF, Italy, 1945

648115 648100

Mk.IXe, 107th Tayeset, Ramat David Air Bases, 1954

LF Mk.IXe, SM147, No. 73 Squadron RAF, Prkos Air Field, Yugoslavia, April / May, 1945

www.eduard.com

FULL-BUILD: CIVILIAN VEHICLE REVELL 1:25 2011 INTERNATIONAL PROSTAR ● KIT NO.07411

HIGHWAY STAR

Jeff Mangeat goes Stateside and assembles Revell's 1:25 International Prostar

U

pon opening the box of this kit, I had a little 'déjà vu' as the model looks like the Revell Lonestar truck (7408). There are some incomplete sprues and I feared missing parts, but this was not the case as Revell has simply provided partial sprues of the Lonestar kit, from which they have removed some items.

Moreover, the engine is the Maxxforce 15 (not the M13 as stated in the instructions).

This engine – derived from the Caterpillar C15 – is well detailed, the colours shown in the manual are consistent with the real thing and assembly is straightforward. The main work consists of carefully painting the many different coloured components, not to mention the multiple decals that represent the safety labels. Once complete, we end up with a sub-assembly consisting of the engine, gearbox, radiator, fan, hoses and all ancillary equipment and the result is spectacular.

Before assembling the frame, I grouped all the parts that shared the same colour to ease the

painting process. Some subsets would be treated separately, such as the differential, air suspension harness and others. Aside from a couple of small hitches, assembly went smoothly and quite quickly.

BODY PREP

The body consists of several elements of a significant size, even for 1:25. Once the parts had be cleaned up and checked over, I applied an undercoat of white in preparation for the main colours. Areas to remain white were carefully masked off, then the body received a first layer of copper-coloured paint. The dominant colour of the interior is a light grey, so I simply used grey primer, killing two birds with one stone; it prepared the plastic and the grey colour in one go! This also had the benefit of reducing the layers of paint and the risk of obscuring surface detail. Other colours were then applied by delineating areas with masking tape, then meticulously applying paint by brush. An impressive kit of a handsome American truck can now join my collection! ●

The chassis takes shape, with all crossmembers in Here we see the completed chassis, rear axles, brakes, place, as well as the front axle. suspension, fifth-wheel and more, in black basecoat.

The kit box for Revell’s 2011 ProStar is huge!

Many parts go into this model and it’s not a quick build.

The engine and its ancillaries laid out and ready to be brought together.

18 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 18-21 ProstarTruck 223MN.indd 18

31/03/2014 17:18

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 18-21 ProstarTruck 223MN.indd 19

19

31/03/2014 17:18

FULL-BUILD: CIVILIAN VEHICLE REVELL 1:25 2011 INTERNATIONAL PROSTAR â—? KIT NO.07411

The completed engine, gearbox and radiator assembly looks extremely impressive; lots of great detail here.

The cabin, bonnet, side panels and front bumper have been painted and await installation on the chassis. The copper and white colours work well together.

This overhead view of the chassis shows off the rear brakes and axles well. Note the chrome fuel tanks and steerable front wheels.

Bare Metal Foil was used to finish off the front bumper; it was first applied over the whole area to be coated.

Looking like a truck now! The chassis is complete; engine is in and those massive exhaust stacks are fitted.

Once rubbed down, the excess was trimmed off and a final burnishing was applied to smooth the foil down.

20 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 18-21 ProstarTruck 223MN.indd 20

31/03/2014 17:19

With the interior masked off, the base colour of white was sprayed on.

The areas where the white was to remain were masked off and the copper then applied.

The cabin shell has been de-masked and the details touched in.

The rear mud flaps look extremely smart with the ProStar logos. Note the Virginia license plate.

The model builds into an extremely handsome replica and the white/ copper scheme with silver highlight looks superb.

MODELSPEC REVELL 1:25 2011 INTERNATIONAL PROSTAR KIT NO.07411

Materials:

Injection-moulded grey and clear polystyrene, chromed parts, vinyl tyres, waterslide decals.

Paints used;

Auto spray; Grey primer, white, copper, aluminium, steel, blue steel.

Tamiya Sprays; TS-26 White, TS-13 Clear, Tamiya Acrylics; X-26 Clear Red, X-27 Clear Orange

Miscellaneous;

Tamiya masking tape, cotton swabs, polish Bare Metal Foil; Ultra Bright Chrome.

Microsol; Mi-1 and Mi-2 .

Wood glue (for transparent parts) Electrical wire (for flexible trailer supply and antennas)

Availability;

All that fabulous engine detail can still be seen on the finished model thanks to the hinged bonnet.

Revell kits and accessories are widely available from good model shops www.revell.de/en TMMI 223 May 2014

p 18-21 ProstarTruck 223MN.indd 21

21

31/03/2014 17:19

FULL BUILD: NAVAL MODELLING BRONCO 1:35 GERMAN SEEHUND TYPE XXVIIB MIDGET SUBMARINE l KIT NO.35053

SEAL OF APPROVAL Marcel du Long builds Bronco's 1:35 Seehund Type XXVIIB Midget Submarine and creates a compact and atmospheric vignette around it

T

o me, a busy port with many vessels and vehicles is a very inspiring place. For quite a while I have had the idea to build a setting with a ship, as submarines, fishing boats, transport ships, torpedo boats and such really give me a boost.

I was tempted several times to purchase the Tamiya 1:35 Patrol Boat, but each time ended up putting it back on the shelf.

The 1:35 Vosper and Elco 80' Torpedo Boat are equally cool, but also quite large in that scale, making them gigantic endeavours which might be more suitable to build in 1:72, but I prefer to

stick with 1:35 whenever I can. Then Bronco entered the scene with their 1:35 Minisub German type XXVIIB Seehund.

I saw it online, had it on my desk the same week and started building it immediately. I was so enthusiastic about this kit that I proposed the idea of a group build within my club, the Scale Model Factory.

Normally I’m not that keen on group builds, this was going to be my first ever, but I had the impression that this was going to be an easy ride in the park, with little time between start and finish. Well, it all turned out a little different‌

22 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 22-26 SeehundSub 223MN.indd 22

31/03/2014 17:20

SETTING AND BUILD

From the start I knew I was going to picture the Seehund in a small port and not at sea or stand alone on a base. After some research I decided that the setting would be on shore in the Dutch port of Ijmuiden. Not that I necessarily wanted to add typical Dutch characteristics to the scene, but a fictitious setting always plays an important role in my creative process; I need to feel and visualize the scene.

So the vessel would be on the dock, getting prepared for a mission with lots of activity surrounding it. Gas bottles, tools, oil drums, wooden blocks, cables and plenty more small stuff next to the small but ungainly sub would provide a nice combination of shapes.

Although in real life the torpedo’s were added to the sub in the water, I wanted to add a torpedo anyway for the simple reason that I think that a torpedo looks cool and it contrasts well with the sub, due to the torpedo’s metallic appearance versus the matt painted Seehund. So that’s 1-0 for fantasy versus historical correctness.

No matter how interesting your object or setting, figures and animals always remain the eye catchers in my opinion, and bring life to your diorama or vehicle.

Determining how to position the figures goes hand in hand with the build of my projects. I never make actual sketches, but build the composition (almost) always on my desk, using boxes, cardboard, styrofoam and half built models and figures.

This way I have the ability to view the composition form all sides, which is very helpful to decide if anything is missing.

I approach nearly every WWII vehicle that I build more as a vehicle that you take your friends out on a holiday with, rather than the violent war machine that is really is. This model is no exception to that. In fact the Seehund looks to me like a nice, small vessel to cruise along the coast of France for a week, with a good mate and a few crates of beer and some good food. The scene I was going to depict should have a leisurely atmosphere instead of the bitter seriousness of

war. To me, showing a cosy, safe and relaxing WWII setting is more interesting in most cases. Also for the characters/figures this is a moment of peace and tranquillity, offering the opportunity to forget the war that’s raging.

THE AIRBRUSH JOB

I started off the paint job with the landmark of this project, the Seehund. The Bronco manual shows two colour schemes, grey or grey with white dots and a whole lot of decals. Both colour schemes are nice, but not very sexy or challenging.

I am always much attracted to Luftwaffe camo schemes, especially those found on a Messerschmitt 109 or 110 or on the Focke Wulf 190: a combination of soft and hard edge camouflage. In the meantime I had the Seehund, primed in white, standing right in front of me.

Not a hard decision to go for a Luftwaffe camouflage pattern including a fine white band around the nose on this submarine. 2-0 for fantasy versus historical correctness. Now, I wouldn’t really consider to paint a WWII vehicle or vessel in, let’s say pink, but I allow myself some artistic license when it comes to colour schemes as long as it has some sort of credibility. This tolerance that I allow myself makes me enjoy the hobby much more.

After the white primer I started airbrushing the belly of the sub with Tamiya XF-71 Cockpit Green, one of my favourite WWII colours.

I then masked the belly part and sprayed the top with Tamiya XF-24 Dark Grey.

Next I masked the hard edge camo and sprayed on Tamiya XF-74 Olive Drab and finished this session with one of the best parts in modelling ever…removing the masking tape and checking the result.

This first leg of the finishing job was a piece of cake. I proceeded with softening the hard edge lower intersection by spraying Tamiya XF-74 Olive Drab and continued with spraying on the blotches with Tamiya XF-24 Dark Grey and Tamiya XF-74 Olive Drab. These blotches required a certain amount of concentration

U

The modeller’s workbench! A modest selection of tools and materials is all that’s needed to turn out a masterpiece.

No matter how interesting your “ object or setting, figures and animals always remain the eye catchers in my opinion, and bring life to your diorama or vehicle...

”

With the Seehund built, it was used, along with the other elements, to plan the final layout of the diorama.

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 22-26 SeehundSub 223MN.indd 23

23

31/03/2014 17:20

FULL BUILD: NAVAL MODELLING BRONCO 1:35 GERMAN SEEHUND TYPE XXVIIB MIDGET SUBMARINE ● KIT NO.35053

V but the result was very

rewarding. As I was spraying a subsequent number of paint layers I realized in advance that pre-shading wouldn’t be much help. Most of it would have disappeared after the green paint layer, so I decided to use post shading on this project.

Post shading means adding a layer of shadows after (hence; post) you have applied your paint.

It’s needless to say that this technique can be a bit stressful as you can really mess up all your previous work. Concentration is the keyword here, and a clean airbrush to avoid paint splatters and other painful mistakes as well as a well thinned post shading colour are the two main focal points when you use this technique.

For the post shading I prepared a highly thinned dark brown colour and applied it with very low pressure. If you use too much pressure with such a thin paint mix, close to the model you might face those dreadful paint 'spiders' over your carefully applied base coat, which is a bit nasty, to put it politically. With the post shading I do not only shade corners, seams and bolts, but also apply vertical streaks from top to bottom and diagonal streaks from the front to the rear.

THE WEATHERING

For the weathering of my WWII models I mainly use 2 colours of Liquitex acrylic ink, transparent Burnt Umber and Neutral Grey Value 5. You can use these diluted or undiluted using water and the blending

process is done with Tamiya X20-A thinner. In TMMI issue 215 in which I describe the build and finishing of my Tamiya Quad Gun Tractor (TMMI 215, September 2013), I explain the process of weathering with Liquitex acrylic inks in depth.

When weathering I always work in defined portions, panel by panel in this case.

I always start with a dark pin-wash for which I used transparent burnt umber ink. The ink dries rather fast and you can start making corrections and fading the pin wash in the same section you started on.

As soon as the corrections have been made and the fading is done I apply paint chips to the edges and streaks from those chips and from the details such as bolts and holes.

I pull these streaks from top to bottom, but incidentally also the other way around. I also correct and fade these streaks and in this step I also apply more prominent dark or light spots and damages.

Occasionally I add a 3D effect on the paint chips by adding a soft or hard light coloured edge by mixing neutral grey value 5 with a wee bit of transparent burnt umber.

The author at work; here, he is airbrushing the base colours of the Seehund.

The camouflage and shading has been applied, now it’s time for further weathering effects.

EIGHT MONTHS LATER… THE BASE

After the usual “ageing” period I found the inspiration and energy to get back to this project and finish it starting with a plaster brick road base from VBM. I first fixed some minor air bubbles in the

Mini Review...

ZVEZDA 1:144 AH-64 Apache us attack helicopter kit no.7408 hobbyco.net

Zvezda’s latest 1:144 aircraft is the Apache gunship and they’ve done a great job of it, even in this tiny scale. The rotors come as a one-piece moulding and the rotorhead is well detailed. A very decent representation of this machine with good detail and great for wargaming and collecting.

24 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 22-26 SeehundSub 223MN.indd 24

31/03/2014 17:20

.

plaster with wall filler after which I attached it to a wooden base, masked this and primed the plaster in white.

A nice aspect of making the groundwork is that you can work very expressively, and providing that you are willing to give this job its required focus, you can never go wrong. Before I start I always study some good reference photographs and this time I was lucky to find 1/1 reference in my own backyard and my own neighbourhood as the bricks used there are similar to the ones on VBM’s plaster base.

I needed a sand colour for the job, and chose Tamiya XF55 Deck tan. I applied this with an airbrush, and after sufficient drying time this was followed by an earth brown acrylic colour; Vallejo 312 Leather Belt with some good ol’ dry brushing. This worked nearly perfect and the spots where paint had run into the joints were retouched with Tamiya XF55.

After all bricks had a uniform brown tone, I added variation by painting the individual bricks with two additional tones. For this purpose I mixed Vallejo 312 Leather Belt with Vallejo 70914 Green Ochre for the yellowish tone, with Vallejo 76814 Burnt Cadmium Red for a reddish tone. I added a dark hue to several bricks with dark colour HB crayon.

Final step was painting the rail tracks with a metal colour, and applied final accents to them with an HB graphite pencil for a smooth metal effect.

Now all the sections of the groundwork were painted, it was time to

harmonize the colour palette. This works well by using pigments. Pigment, in this case MIG Productions Rubble Dust works very convincingly on this type of bricks or bases as it behaves like real sand. The joints and chinks are also emphasized by the pigment, so it works perfectly.

Excess pigment was easy to remove with a cotton swab.

I applied Mig Productions "Old Rust" pigment to the sides of the tracks for some enhanced realism.

As a preliminary final step I placed some moss and weeds here and there and subtly treated them with pigments to blend them into the groundwork. I use the word “preliminary” as the real final finishing of all elements.

Close-up view of the struts that support the little submarine.

Here’s where the struts locate on the base; note how the layout is slight diagonal, essential for a dynamic feel.

CLUTTER TIME!

Time for adding all that cool, small stuff like crates, tools, oil drums, cables, tins, etc. I think that these objects are of extreme importance to connect the main objects (the sub, figures and groundwork) with one another. True, it’s a rather time consuming job every time, but this stuff can make or break your scene, so always stay alert! After all objects were primed in white I gave them black pre-shade. To create interesting distinctions between the various small objects I sprayed them in different colours.

Although the dust spots may seem to have been applied with pigments these are actually also done with an ink mix of Neutral Grey value 5 and Transparent burnt umber. For the oil and wet effects Tamiya X -19 Smoke was used and the wrenches were finished with

The fuel drums, gas cylinders and other items, pre-shaded (above left), base-painted (above right) and finished, (below).

U

This side view shows the torpedo in place, plus the markings and subsequent weathering effects applied to the Seehund’s hull.

Kit available from; www.hannants.co.uk

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 22-26 SeehundSub 223MN.indd 25

25

31/03/2014 17:20

FULL BUILD: NAVAL MODELLING BRONCO 1:35 GERMAN SEEHUND TYPE XXVIIB MIDGET SUBMARINE l KIT NO.35053

V silver acrylic paint, a black

ink wash and highlighted with a silver Karisma pencil.

Finishing off

Now that the Seehund, groundwork and all small objects were painted the figures had to be painted. All three were primed white and finished with acrylic paints.

I used Archer dry transfers for the shoulder pads of the standing figure, as it is impossible to paint them that straight and it spices up the figure in general.

When the three figures were finished I glued all elements to the ground work using two component epoxy adhesive, and once it was cured, I could start completing of the project.

With everything put together, I found the gap between the centre of the boat and the groundwork to be too big and I added some wooden beams here.

One of the last additions was adding the single tree leaves, applied one by one.

This helps to add a playful and organic look to the

scene. I applied the leaves to strategic spots on the diorama, because it also adds more life to it. Finally, I replicated oil stains with Tamiya X -19 Smoke on selected spots. Important is to let the paint do its work here to make those spots and puddles of “oil” look natural and try not to paint them on.

The final images

Another project was completed again, and it was time for the final images.

I always take these with my Canon Powershot G11 compact camera on a tripod, two IKEA lamps and a sheet of black or white cardboard.

Photographing on a black background is challenging as black always turns grey.

Therefore, I cut the dio loose from the background in Photoshop, and placed it onto a really black background. I also polish the image by removing unwanted stuff like hair or other "filth" from the background. A job that can take quite some time, but eventually it pays off

A figure is a crucial part of a diorama, needed to add a sense of scale, human life and character.

in a series of nice photos.

Although pictures can sometimes be very confrontational, as a rule I do not make any changes at this stage anymore.

Should I really have missed something then it may be that I grab a brush but in general I would

have noticed mistakes earlier on the in progresspictures. The final result however felt good, and so on to the next project! l

The Seehund overhangs the base by quite some way at either end, but that’s fine in a tightly cropped diorama such as this.

26 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 22-26 SeehundSub 223MN.indd 26

31/03/2014 17:20

1350

6522

Contains 28 figures

Contains 10 figures

6172

2734

1356

Catalogue 2014 Ask your local distributor or contact: Italeri S.p.A. - via Pradazzo, 6/b 40012 - Calderara di Reno - Bologna - Italy - Phone +39 051 31 75 211 - email: italeri@italeri.com

KIT PREVIEW REVELL 1:32 SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE MK.IIA ● KIT NO.03986

No engine in this kit, the cowlings are all sealed up.

SUPERB SUPERMARINE Test-shot sprues of Revell’s new 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IIa arrive at TMMI!

A

s with the Aoshima McLaren previewed on page thirty-eight, just as we were finishing off this issue of TMMI, what should arrive at the TMMI? Only test-shots of Revell’s new-tool 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IIa! We saw earlier sprues of this kit built up the 2014 Nuremberg Toy Fair and now we have ‘plastic in our hands’ we can confirm that it’s a quality production with some impressive detail inside and out.

The cockpit is a pleasingly busy affair with a very comprehensive parts breakdown; the seat alone has eleven parts to it and the remaining sub-structures of the cabin are similarly thorough. The sidewalls are individually moulded and all the control levers and other

items are separate mouldings.

The cockpit will build into a fantastic replica; I lost count at forty parts in this area. The pilot’s door is an individual part and the canopy’s armoured front panel is also moulded on its own. Control surfaces are all individually moulded, including the landing flaps, which would normally be in the ‘up’ position except when the aircraft was slowing down to land. To ensure their correct shape is preserved, the various undersurface intakes are moulded as multi-part assemblies, which suggests that Revell’s design team really have done their homework here.

My only criticism of the kit from initial inspection as that the airframe rivets are a little too prominent,

the Spitfire being a fairly smooth aircraft with flush rivets which appear as tiny, faint circles rather that small holes. However, this effect always looks too noticeable on bare plastic and will become much less obvious under a layer of paint, so it isn’t a major worry. We didn’t get decals with the test-shot (still being printed) but the instructions suggest two options will be offered; QV-J from RAF No.19 Squadron, Fowlmere (Cambridgeshire), June 1941 and YT-L of RAF No.65 Squadron, Kirton-in-Lindsey (Lincolnshire), July 1941.

From an initial inspection of these early kit parts, Revell’s new Spitfire looks like an excellent production with a highly detailed cockpit. It will be very interesting to see how it builds up. MN ● MODEL SPEC SCALE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:32 MATERIALS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IM, WS Availability: Widely available soon (June release) from good model shops. www.revell.de/en TMMI’S OPINION? Another jaw-droppingly good value kit (it will be on sale for around £23) and from the testshots, highly detailed.

View of the belly with scoop locations.

Cockpit walls are individual mouldings.

Horizontal stabilisers feature separate elevators.

Close-up on undercarriage doors.

Ejector exhausts are moulded in two halves, so outlets are naturally hollow.

A view of the cockpit and undersurface of Revell’s built-up model, shown at this year’s Nuremberg Toy Fair. The cockpit is magnificent.

Instrument panel is fixed to the forward bulkhead; detail here is good.

Canopy comes with an individual armour panel. Cockpit is well detailed, underside structures are well formed.

28 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 28 Spitfire Pre 223MN.indd 28

Pilot door is moulded separate but crow bar is integral.

31/03/2014 17:22

ACCESSORIES PREVIEW

PARAGRAFIX PHOTO-ETCHED DETAIL SETS

ParaGrafix from the USA make some very welcome detail sets for classic science-fiction, TV and film models

P

araGrafix of Attlebro, Massachusetts produce some rather unique details sets in photo-etch and other materials.

The company's products are designed to fit science-fiction and film/TV subjects, bringing a touch of extra sharpness, precision and accuracy to models that quite often lack the ultimate levels of detail we are more used to seeing modern armour and aircraft kits, often because they are older releases.

The latest four sets have arrived at TMMI and they address four diverse but very attractive and charismatic subjects; AMT’s 1:25 Ecto-1A from Ghostbusters (also see page fifty-seven this issue), the MPC Eagle Transporter from Space: 1999, Moebius’s Viper fighter (kit no.940) from the original TV series of Battlestar Galactica and The Nautilus submarine, a recent kit by Pegasus Models. The sets are all based around a single fret of photo-etched brass that carries essential upgrade parts for the models, plus translucent acetate sheets in some sets that provide display screens, read-outs and more. In the Nautilus set we have grilles, railings and a whole new command bridge, the Viper gets upgraded engine exhaust baffles and cockpit control panels, Ecto-1A gets new license plates, interior control box faces and dot-matrix message boards (and more) and the Eagle Transporter is provided with enhanced detailed for its landing gear, thrusters, main engine diffusers and door details for its service module, plus other MODEL SPEC smaller parts. The metal parts are SCALE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . various all extremely well made and each MATERIALS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PE, AF set comes with a sheet of very clear Availability: . . . . www.paragrafix.biz instructions that guide the modeller TMMI’S OPINION? on how to install the new add-ons.

Very well designed and manufactured, The sets are lovingly produced and these sets are well worth the money and will greatly enhance the kits they well thought out – just enough to are aimed at. Highly recommended. bring up your science-fiction, TV Check out the other products too, at the website above. and film models to a higher level! ●

TOP BRASS! Space: 1999 Eagle Transporter set (PGX177) comes with landing gear and service module enhancements.

Ecto-1A set (PGX164) comes with message boards, NYC license plates and internal control boxes.

The Nautilus set (PGX173) comes with a whole new bridge, grilles and railings plus a smart name plate.

Battlestar Galactica Viper set (PGX175) comes with cockpit consoles and engine detailing.

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 29 ParaGrafix Pre 223MN.indd 29

29

31/03/2014 17:23

FULL BUILD: MILITARY VEHICLE TAMIYA 8.8CM PAK43/1 AUF GESHUTZWAGEN III/IV SD.KFZ.164 NASHORN ● KIT NO.35335

RHINOCEROS;

ARMED AND DANGEROUS TMMI's Editor continues work on Tamiya's new 1:35 'Nashorn' tank-destroyer

Part 2

30 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 30-35 NashornPt2 223MN.indd 30

31/03/2014 17:49

In this view we can clearly see the ejector-pin marks on the inner faces of the fighting compartment. They have been filled and sanded here, but not all need this treatment as several will be hidden by the ammunition bins.

The marks along the upper edges of the fighting compartment walls are quite visible and require neat filling and sanding flush. The lower marks will be hidden – along with some others – by other internal structures. Holts Cataloy Knifing Putty (from Halfords for our UK readers) is ideal for this task.

The driver's vision port is a nicely detailed mechanism and can be left open, even though there's no interior detail, as the periscope will hide the lack of internals.

I

am slightly frustrated with myself for not having had time to finish the kit for this issue and I'm sure you're just as frustrated too! I fully intended to have wrapped up the kit by this issue but, as often happens, life got in the way and so I only had time to push the assembly a bit further ahead. This time I fitted the fighting compartment walls to the main hull and added

the rear plate in readiness for the crew access doors, which will be positioned during final assembly to prevent damage to their delicate hinges which have a very small contact area.

HULL STRUCTURE

Having highlighted the ejector-pin marks on the inner faces of the fighting compartment walls last time, it became clear that

with the ammunition bins and other parts in test-fitted, most of them are actually hidden. You will need to fill/ sand the marks along the upper edges of the sidewalls though, as they are the ones most easily seen.

IDLER MOUNT

Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, Tamiya's new kit comes with one-piece flexible tracks rather

The kit comes with one-piece tracks which are a little loose as standard. To tighten them up, the idler wheels need to swing further to the rear and to do this, their mounting holes must be cleared out to allow them to rotate. A round-pointed chisel (Trumpeter; www.pocketbond.co.uk) is ideal for this task.

The idler has been cemented in place and swung backward a few degrees, which is enough to pull the tracks a little tighter to they won’t bow outwards unrealistically.

The finely moulded non-slip pattern on the track guards looks excellent.

The right-side idler, pressed in place on its mounting polycap. The wheel is free to spin and easy to attach/remove.

than the link-and-length, kit-plastic tracks that we have become used to in recent AFV kit releases.

The one-piece items are well detailed and are usually fine for vehicles with concealed upper-runs (modern tanks etc) because the natural 'sag' of the track is not visible (the sag is a feature that one-piece tracks cannot easily replicate) but on machines such as the

U

Here we can see the opened-up idler mounting hole.

The track ends were superglued together and then test-fitted on the model. They are a too tight to allow for track sag (almost impossible to depict with one-piece tracks anyway) but look better than being too springy and loose.

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 30-35 NashornPt2 223MN.indd 31

31

31/03/2014 17:50

FULL BUILD: MILITARY VEHICLE TAMIYA 8.8CM PAK43/1 AUF GESHUTZWAGEN III/IV SD.KFZ.164 NASHORN ● KIT NO.35335

V Nashorn whose tracks are

The built-up 88mm with rotor shield in place. The one-piece barrel is a big improvement on barrels split lengthways.

fully exposed, it becomes a bit of a challenge. So, we have to make a compromise by tightening the tracks to remove the unrealistic bowing effect around the idler and sprocket wheels; this looks much worse than an absence of sag. The idlers' axles plug into bases on the hull sides which each contain a locking device to fix the idlers at the correct, ‘average’ angle.

By hollowing them out, the idlers are free to rotate and can be swung rearwards, which will have the effect of tightening the track.

The idlers shouldn't go all the way to the rear or the tracks will be too tight and they'll distort around the rims, but just off the horizontal is about right to pull the tracks straight.

88MM GUN

The gun-shield braces are moulded nicely in-scale but need careful work with tweezers to accurately position.

The structure at the bottom of the photo is the support for the gunner's seat; its base (with springs) can be seen here, the bicycle-type seat pad will be painted and fitted later.

The detail on Tamiya’s new 88mm gun is exemplary; the gunsight and breech block are yet to be fitted here.

The barrel can slide forward/aft and the recuperator piston moves realistically within the cylinder body.

Here we see the gun being test-fitted on the hull. The weapon can traverse freely, so long as the cement is applied sparingly...

32 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 30-35 NashornPt2 223MN.indd 32

Last time I got about half way through building the gun which is by far the most complex sub-structure of the kit. Tamiya have incorporated some nice touches here and if you are really, really careful with the liquid cement, the gun can elevate and depress.

I, unfortunately, was not careful enough with the cement and so the gun on my Nashorn is fixed in the position you see it in here...

Thanks to some sensible design, the assembled gun simply drops into place once painted and weathered, secured by the locking ring seen in the centre of the photograph here.

The 88mm rounds will all be fitted within the bins. As their bottom (firing cap) ends won’t be seen when they are loaded into the bin, it’s safe to drill them out in order to mount them on cocktail sticks, for painting.

31/03/2014 17:50

Parts bins. pierc for e

Parts-spread for one of the ammunition bins. Eight rounds (of two types; armourpiercing and high-explosive) are provided for each bin.

I chose to build up the gun and its shield as much as possible and rely on the airbrush to push the paint into the recessed areas.

The rotor shield is very well done and looks about the right scale thickness.

The support struts also have a nice scaled down appearance and look spot on, without the need for photo-etched parts.

U

Mr Hobby Mr Cement S was used to assemble the bins (and the rest of the kit) as it works perfectly with Tamiya’s polystyrene.

Tweezers are extremely useful when handling the smaller parts such as the end plates.

A fine paintbrush was used to apply the liquid cement to the join-line. The bottle comes with a brush in the cap but using a brush offers better control and longer reach.

Four internal shelves are provided to support the large 88mm rounds. These need to sit squarely on the lips moulded into the end panel, visible in this view.

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 30-35 NashornPt2 223MN.indd 33

33

31/03/2014 17:49

FULL BUILD: MILITARY VEHICLE TAMIYA 8.8CM PAK43/1 AUF GESHUTZWAGEN III/IV SD.KFZ.164 NASHORN â—? KIT NO.35335

BINS V AMMO The Nashorn had two large

Tweezers are definitely needed when fitting the shelves, unless you have very small, pointy fingers..

The paintbrush was used again for cement application, for better control.

Nearly there... The shelves were added one-by-one, taking care not to disturb the ones already cemented in place.

ammunition bins within its fighting compartment, each capable of holding eight rounds of 88mm ammunition. The bins featured three-part covers which were folded up and rested on the top of the bin.

The bins in the kit are built up from a main rear panel, end panels and four internal shelves that support the forward end of each round; the rear ends are supported by shallow lips moulded into one of the end panels.

The inner faces of all the bin parts exhibit ejector-pin marks but they are hidden by the ammunition, so it's not worth filling/sanding the marks unless you intend to build your bins with the covers open and empty.

The bins build up easily but make sure each shelf is pushed downwards onto its location-lip on the inner face of the end panel.

AMMUNITION

The ammunition bins can be displayed in the open position with a full load of eight rounds inside, or closed up for travel. The kit comes with eight rounds of high-explosive and eight

rounds of armour-piercing ammunition, moulded in kit plastic, ready to be painted in suitable colours.

The instructions suggest using X-12 Gold Leaf to depict brass, but due to shortages of this metal later in the war, steel was often substituted, so you could use a steel colour for the shell casings instead. The bins are the same left/right as they were on the real Nashorn and can be built off the model and simply 'dropped' in once painted and fitted with their rounds of ammo.

That's what I hope to be doing for the next issue of TMMI, wish me luck! â—?

MODELSPEC Tamiya 8.8cm Pak43/1 Auf Geschutzwagen III/IV Sd.Kfz.164 Nashorn Kit No.35335

Materials;

Injection-moulded sand-coloured polystyrene, flexible synthetic rubber tracks metal rods, waterslide decals

Features;

Main gun elevates/depresses/rotates.

Four-man crew in winter clothing

UK import & distribution; The Hobby Company Ltd www.hobbyco.net

We can see the ejector-pin marks inside the bin, only a problem if you plan to leave it empty.

With the rounds of ammunition in place, the marks are completely hidden.

34 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 30-35 NashornPt2 223MN.indd 34

31/03/2014 17:50

Ready for installation; one bin was built open, the other, closed up for variety. The lids are the same, one-piece mouldings, but for an open/folded display, the modeller must carefully separate the lid into three elements and stack them on top, in the correct sequence.

Here we see the bins being dry-fitted within the vehicle. These are drop-in units so could be painted off the model to ease the paint/weathering processes.

Still a way to go yet... In these larger images we can see the tightened-up, one-piece tracks in place; the return rollers are yet to be fitted. The tracks are a little too tight but it’s preferable to having them bow up and down where they meet the idlers and sprockets. Modellers wishing to invest in some aftermarket products for their kit might consider a set of Friulmodel tracks (ATL-04 or ATL-05; www.friulmodel.hu), which will allow for the subtle ‘droop’ between return rollers along their top runs.

The instructions suggest “using X-12 Gold Leaf to depict brass, but due to shortages of this metal later in the war, steel was often substituted, so you could use a steel colour for the shell casings instead...

”

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 30-35 NashornPt2 223MN.indd 35

35

31/03/2014 17:50

R U O Y O T E F I ADD L ACCESSORIES PREVIEW WINGS COCKPIT FIGURES 1:32

nd-crew pilots and grou e popular figure e ever-mor he addition of a ft th in l sculpted to a model aircra scale of 1:32, al tail and in or ed de at nt se lle er ce th – ei with ex aining rticularly standing, maint natural poses. Pa nge for y ra pl e m notable are th an aircraft or si ways adds itish Royal Br ft; al ra – rc it ai ng 1 WW admiri d German the scene Flying Corps an, ideal to scale and life to enhance fte rä tly Luftstreitk and can grea display. fabulous accompany the series of the impact of a Cockpit gs gs in in W W ut to gn ks Win Than d bombers. ● have access 1:32 fighters an Figures, we nowcellent resin ex to a range of

T

LSK ‘Confident ace’ 1915-1918 (LSK 01)

LSK pilot in flying coat LSK pilot in great coat 1915-1918 (LSK 02) 1915-1918 (LSK 10)

LSK Hannover/LVG pilot and observer (LSK 08)

Seated LSK pilot for Fokker Eindekker (E-II/III) (LSK 04)

German beauty Marlene Dietrich (LUFT 06D)

Seated LSK pilot for Albatros D.V & Va September 1916-1918 (LSK 05A)

Adolf Galland 1940 (LUFT 06C)

LSK mechanic aiding Albatros pilot astride rear fuselage (LSK 05B)

Seated LSK pilot for Fokker D.VII May 1918 onward (LSK 07A)

Hugo Sperrle 1940 (LUFT 06B)

Helmut Wick 1940 (LUFT 06A) LSK groundcrew manhandling aircraft x2 figures (LSK 13A&B

Seated Luftwaffe pilot for Bf109 (LUFT 01)

36 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 36-37 WingsFigures 223MN.indd 36

31/03/2014 17:24

!

T F A R C R I A R OU MODEL SPEC . . . . 1:32 ..............

SCALE: . . . . . . . .R .............. . . . . . . . . : LS MATERIA Availability: ures.com wingscockpitfig TMMI’S OPINION? both of figures from A wide range nd World Wars co Se d an st Fir led mely well detai here, all extre of the character and capturing . es their tim

Contact; Wings Cockpit Figures David Allen, Bay House, Mile Path, Woking, Surrey, GU22 0JX England davidallen_afbs@hotmail.com wingscockpitfigures.com

Seated RAF fighter pilot mid/late war 1941-45 for Spitfire and other fighters (RAF 01)

RAF fighter pilot early-war 1939-1941 (RAF 04A)

Seated RFC DH2 pilot February 1916 - April 1917 (RFC 06)

Hurricane pilot climbing out - Robert Stanford Tuck 1940 (RAF 05)

Seated RFC SE5a pilot April 1917-18 (RFC 05A)

Battle of Britain pilot looking at skies (RAF 06A)

RFC mechanic swinging the propeller 1914-1918 (RFC 04)

RNAS pilot in naval jacket and fug boots 1915-1918 (RFC 03)

Battle of Britain pilot in armchair (RAF 06B)

RFC or RNAS pilot in Sidcot flying suit (RFC 02)

RFC or RNAS pilot in leather flying coat, scarfed-up 1915-1918 (RFC 01)

The Fighting Fees RFC FE2b pilot and gunner (RFC 07B)

RAF tropical pilot at readiness 1939-45 (RAF 11)

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 36-37 WingsFigures 223MN.indd 37

37

31/03/2014 17:24

KIT PREVIEW AOSHIMA 1:24 MCLAREN F1 GTR PRE-SEASON TESTING 1997 ● KIT NO.00749

Bodyshell is a large and beautiful one-piece moulding.

The test-shot of Aoshima’s new 1:24 McLaren GTR is here!

Interior tub sports telemetry boxes and conduits.

MURRAY’S MINT

McLAREN

R Aoshima’s new kit comes with a superb rendition of an engine with very crisp detail and a full, serpentine exhaust system. A good amount will be on show thanks to two removable engine access panels.

Engine bay detail is of a high level too; here we see the engine intake sytem that sits over the powerplant.

The big racing wheels are perfect.

eceived just as this issue of TMMI was being completed, Aoshima’s new-tool 1:24 kit of the 1997 pre-season testing version of the McLaren F1 GTR is deeply impressive, even though we just had a test-shot. The GTR – based on Gordon Murray’s revolutionary 1992 super-car – is the long-tail version with massive, sweeping body lines from front to back, with a large rear wing to finish off. The kit comes with a very detailed engine which can be revealed thanks to the lift-off engine access panels, showing the complex exhausts and intake structures, the latter being a great candidate for carbon-fibre decal treatment. The interior is impressively complete too, based around a central tub for the cabin with the characteristic ‘monoposto’ driver’s position, rollcage, racing-style steering column, sequential gear lever and various electronics panels.

The main body moulding is the star of the show and Aoshima have done a

fantastic job here in creating such a complex shape in one piece, obviating the chance of ill-fitting cowlings. The doors are separately moulded and can be displayed in the open or closed position thanks to the inclusion of different hinge components for either mode. The massive, fifteen-spoke wheels are perfect and are shod with slick racing tyres. Decals supplied in this test-shot are for the black car with pink/yellow flashes of the test vehicle which may not me to everyone’s taste, but other variants are certain to follow; the production kit box shows a far more appealing all-orange car. This is a complex, highly detailed kit with some thoughtful design touches (the one-piece bodyshell) that should ease assembly. ● MODEL SPEC SCALE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:24 MATERIALS: . . . . . . . . . .IM, SVT, PC, WS UK IMPORT AND DISTRIBUTION: www.aoshima-bk.co.jp/english www.modelsforsale.com TMMI’S OPINION? The kit’s bodyshell is a state of the art production and the mechanical areas under it are extensive and finely detailed.

The McLaren’s bodyshell eliminates potential alignment errors by being moulded in one, large piece. Most impressive...

Electrical box for the cabin interior.

A choice of two steering wheels is provided.

Driver’s pedals are extremely well detailed and won’t need replacement with aftermarket items.

The brakes are well moulded and detailed but the aftermarket will offer replacements no doubt.

The racing seat is moulded with cooling slots.

38 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 38 McLarenGTR Pre 223MN.indd 38

31/03/2014 17:25

WingnutWings_Tamiya Ad_March2014.pdf

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

3/5/2014

12:30:16 PM

g

E

ver since Wingnut Wings came onto the modelling scene in April 2009 with the release of their 1”32 Junkers J.1, a 1:32 Fokker D.VII has probably been the most anticipated release from this ground breaking model company. Never one to disappoint, Wingnut has offered us not just one, but four different variants of the iconic World War I German fighter plane. Not to mention a plethora of supplemental decal sheets for each of the releases. In this release, the Fokker D.VII (Fok), there are five marking schemes to choose from. All are tempting, but the overall yellow with black diamond fuselage of Gotthard Sachsenberg’s aircraft was too striking to pass on. Additionally, this aircraft was minus the upper engine cowling and used the Oigee optical gun sight, which added to its uniqueness.

One observation about Wingnuts kits: They can be less forgiving than many other kits if a part is not fitted precisely, as this can lead to fit issues later in assembly. So test fit early and test fit often! This is not a criticism, but a testament to the precision that is built into their kits.

COCKPIT

The cockpit portion starts easily enough, with the stick, pedals and seat. The seat comes with a separate cushion with nice, deep detail that really takes a wash. When mounting the seat, I found the two seat supports (#B21, B22) to be rather fragile and care was needed to cut them off the sprue. Once painted, instead of using the kit’s photo-etch belts, the seat was topped-off with HGW’s marvellous textile and photo-etch seat belts. These build-them-yourself belts are about as realistic as they come. Now is the time to decide if you want to add control cables and rigging to the cockpit interior, as some holes will need to be drilled into the rudder bar and control stick. I used 0.2mm wire for the control cables and 2 pound fishing line for the interior rigging; black insulated wire was used for the control stick

Below and right; the D.VII’s basic instrument panel and seat with harness fitted.

Above and right; the fuel tank and ammunition hopper and cockpit floor with rudder bar in place.

The cockpit framework at various stages of completion. Note the addition of control rods and internal rigging wire in the shots above right.

cables. The throttle and spark advance lever on the left side of the cockpit are lacking the control rods that run forward to the engine.

These were made from pieces of styrene rod. The internal wire bracing for the cockpit was done with smoke coloured invisible thread and the GasPatch metal turnbuckles. Until someone comes up with an actual working turnbuckle in 1:32, these are the best looking turnbuckles currently

available. Next came the fuel tank, ammo box and gun mount assemblies, and you are offered three different versions of ammo box and mounts depending on your build. These assemblies contain prominent seams, but not to worry, as they are buried under the cowling and aren’t visible. The ammo box and fuel tank were painted with Alclad II Dark Aluminum and Brass, respectively.

To paint the wood grain

on the cockpit floor and instrument panel, instead of using the tried and true method of brushing oil paints over a base coat, I used the RB Productions wood grain airbrush stencil.

Tamiya XF-59 Desert Yellow was used as the base colour and XF-68 NATO Brown for the grain. Placing the stencil over the part and spraying the NATO Brown colour produced a nice, wood grain look entirely different to the oil paint method. The

Above; a close-up on the cockpit frame reveals the rigging wire with turnbuckle adjusters. Right; the finished cockpit unit looks fantastic.

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 40-45 FokkerDVII 223MN.indd 41

U

41

31/03/2014 17:28

FULL BUILD: MILITARY AVIATION WINGNUT WINGS 1:32 FOKKER D.VII (FOK) ● KIT NO.32011

Views showing the cockpit module and engine supports, which are seen here unpainted.

The detail is fantastic.

V stencil is best suited for flat

surfaces, as the grain pattern is lost if the stencil is too far from the surface. All the necessary decals are supplied for the cockpit – dials, placards and lozenge fabric.

The kits decals are from Cartograf and settle down perfectly without the use of any decal solvent. During my research, my found that D.VIIs manufactured by Fokker typically only had one handle for the auxiliary throttle mounted on the control stick, so the lower handle was clipped off.

ENGINE BAY AND ENGINE

Once the cockpit is together, the engine mounts are put into place. These are attached to the forward portion of the cockpit cage assembly and a couple of these pieces are quite fragile. If you happen to

have your engine already assembled, now would be a good time to test fit to make sure the mounts are positioned correctly.

The kit uses Wingnut's exquisite Daimler-Mercedes engine, in either the 180hp or 200hp configuration. The engine builds quite simply, but the results are a complex and detailed looking engine.

The engine only falls short in the lack of spark plugs, spark plug wiring and the soft detail of the valve lifter springs on the tops of the cylinders. These issues can be addressed with a little scratchbuilding and the use to the Taurus Models aftermarket sets. Taurus Models resin intake manifold nuts were added to the ends of the kit’s intake manifold to add that little bit of detail the kit lacks. Holes were drilled into the corresponding

side of the engine cylinders to accept the ends of the manifold nut parts. The Taurus Models Valve Lifters and Timing gear set is meant to replace kit part #E27.

However, considering the number of tiny parts and the work involved in assembling them, I just used the kit part. There really isn’t that much difference in the detail anyway. However, the valve springs were another matter. The kits springs are little more than triangles of plastic, lacking any real detail, so these were trimmed off and the Taurus springs inserted in their place. The Taurus springs are crisply moulded and the set comes with both compressed and uncompressed springs.

The engine does not include any spark plug detail, just holes in the cylinders where the plugs

would normally be found.

The Taurus resin spark plugs were used to fill this void. The kit conduit for the spark plug cables was replaced with .8mm copper tubing and attached to the engine with flattened solder wire to represent the support brackets. Copper wire was then run from the conduit to the distributor and spark plugs.

The engine was painted using Tamiya XF-85 Rubber Black and Gunze Sangyo H-77 Tire Black for the cylinders and Alclad II Duralumin and Pale Burnt Metal for the crankcase.

The engine turned out to be quite the little project, but a most satisfying one. Once complete, it was glued to the engine mounts, checked for proper alignment and allowed to set.

The Fokker’s Daimler-Mercedes engine at various stages of assembly.

Note the addition of replacement valves springs, plus a full ignition wiring system.

42 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 40-45 FokkerDVII 223MN.indd 42

31/03/2014 17:27

FUSELAGE

The engine has now been installed on its painted bearers. The kit gives the builder a real appreciation of how these early fighters were put together.

Two large spars are present on the lower wing part.

Removing unneeded raised vents on engine cowling.

The cockpit is lined with decalling to indicate the reverse face of the fuselage fabric covering.

Clamps were used to ensure the close fit between the fuselage halves.

Per the instructions, the cockpit/engine cage was glued into the left side of the fuselage. The other half of the fuselage was put into position and then glued along the upper seam only.

This is done because you will need to insert the fabric lacing piece (#B3) along the bottom seam before sealing-up the fuselage halves.

Two types of radiators and cockpit combing are offered, depending on the production version you’re building. Once these are in place, the two Spandau machine guns can be attached. The kit includes photo-etch cooling jackets to replace the plastic parts if you prefer that extra bit of detail. Instead, I used the Master Model barrel set that includes a pre-rolled cooling jacket, along with a turned brass barrel and flash hider.

Three different side cowl panels versions are offered, each one with a different cooling vent and exhaust opening configuration.

My version had the early production cowls, which required that I remove two of the raised vents and cut a hole for the 'low' exhaust to poke through. The vents were taken off with a micro chisel and the surface sanded smooth. The exhaust openings were hollow, but not very deep. Using a Dremel tool with a dental bit attached, the openings were routed-out and deepened.

UNDERCARRIAGE AND BOTTOM WINGS

Just like the real thing, the kit’s lower wing section is moulded with two, thick spars that provide a solid

Mini Review...

TAMIYA 1:48 GERMAN MOTORCYCLE & SIDECAR KIT NO.32578 hobbyco.net

structure and insure the proper wing dihedral. If you’re building a version that has full-length fuselage decals, I would recommend you lay those decals down before attaching the lower wing, as it will make for a much neater, hassle-free installation. The undercarriage built easily and there were no problems in alignment once it was attached to the fuselage.

However, the whole affair tends to be a bit wobbly and really benefits from some rigging.

FINAL ASSEMBLY

Again deviating from the brushed oil paint method for creating wood grain, I used the RB propeller stencil, which is designed to create the wood lamination layers on the propeller.

This is essentially a stencil onto which you attach your propeller and then spray your paint through. This took a fair amount of experimentation with different airbrush pressures and paint mixtures to find a combination that worked, but in the end I was fairly happy with the results.

All the yellow painted surfaces were sprayed with Gunze Sangyo Mr. Color Yellow #4. Mr. Color RLM04 Yellow #113 (a more orangey-yellow) was added to the yellow colour to create some variation in the tone.

The rib shading on the upper wing was done merely by placing a piece of Tamiya tape along the rib and spraying a very thin mix of Tamiya Smoke along the rib.

Wingnut Wings recommends applying a clear coat to the plastic surfaces prior

U

At the Nuremberg Toy Fair this year, Tamiya showed this newly-tooled kit of a German motorcycle and sidecar (BMW, Zundapp etc). It will make an attractive addition to quarter-inch scale diorama. Fine detail, excellent figures and the wheel spokes look good too.

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 40-45 FokkerDVII 223MN.indd 43

43

31/03/2014 17:27

FULL BUILD: MILITARY AVIATION WINGNUT WINGS 1:32 FOKKER D.VII (FOK) ● KIT NO.32011

The painted fuselage and wings (upper shown here) await their amazing checker decals!

Early stages of rigging. Thankfully, the Fokker D.VII has minimal cabling, but some is still required.

The exhaust outlet tips were drilled out for a more in-scale appearance.

V to setting the decals. So I

sprayed Tamiya X-22 Clear on all the surfaces to provide a smooth, glossy surface.

The diamond decals for the fuselage were one large piece for each of the four sides of the fuselage. Dealing with such large decals can be a bit intimidating, but the whole process of laying down the decals turned out to be quite trouble free, with the decals performing flawlessly.

I started with the diamond decal for the upper fuselage, as that would set the positioning for the remaining diamond decals. Once the first decal had dried, the two fuselage side decals were applied. The trick is to keep them plenty wet and they will stay workable.

Finally, the bottom fuselage decal was applied. Oddly, this decal did not match the pattern shown on the instruction profile.

The upper wing was painted yellow before the bottom lozenge decal was applied. The lower wing decals were also placed on before the wing went into place. I made sure the rib tapes on the lozenge decals lined-up with the ribs on the wing. Over several hours, the decals formed perfectly over the raised detail. Only a little decal solvent was used to tack down the decal edges.

Once all the decals were placed, they were sealed with a clear coat. To tone down the vivid yellow and black scheme, the diamond and

The author used an aftermarket detail set consisting of photo-etched, milled and lathe-turned brass parts to enhance the model’s Spandau machine guns.

lozenge decals were sprayed with a very thin mix of Tamiya XF-20 Medium Grey.

For a biplane, the rigging on the D.VII is quite simple.

All that’s needed is some support rigging for the landing gear and stabilizer.

Two-pound nylon fishing line and the GasPatch metal turnbuckles were used here.

Once the rigging is in place, any slack can be removed by carefully applying a heat source near the nylon line.

This will cause the line to shrink and you can actually watch the slack disappear.

The cables for the control surfaces were replicated using 0.15mm copper wire.

To attach the upper wing, the fuselage cabane struts were attached, while the

wing struts were left off.

This would make attaching the upper wing easier, as I wouldn’t have to deal with trying to insert too many strut ends. Once the wing was placed onto the cabane struts, the wing struts were inserted and snapped into place. The upper wing positioned itself perfectly on its own.

CONCLUSION

Anyone on the fence about attempting a World War I biplane build might want to consider the Wingnuts Wings D.VII. The subject matter has wide appeal and the relative lack of complex rigging and straightforward assembly makes this the perfect kit to get one’s feet wet. ●

44 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 40-45 FokkerDVII 223MN.indd 44

31/03/2014 17:27

MODELSPEC Wingnut Wings 1:32 Fokker D.VII (Fok) Kit No.32011

Materials;

Injection moulded grey plastic and clear parts, small photo-etch sheet, six sheets of waterslide decals.

Paints used;

Gunze Sangyo C-4 Yellow, C-58 Orange Yellow, H-32 Green Tamiya XF-61 Dark Green, XF-69 Grey, X-18 Semi-Gloss Black; XF-76 Grey-Green Alclad II Dark Aluminum, Brass

Other materials;

Brass tubing, insulated wire and solder wire; Taurus Spark Plugs, #D3204; Taurus Valves, Lifters and Timing Gear for Mercedes D.IIIa, #3209; Gas Patch Turnbuckles, #32004; Master Spandau LMG 08/15 Barrels; HGW Fokker D.VII Seat Belts, #132516

Availability;

Wingnut Wings kits; hwww.wingnutwings.com Taurus Models; www.taurusmodels.pl Gas Patch Models; www.gaspatchmodels.com

References;

Yellow and black chequerboard might sound an unlikely scheme for a military aircraft, but it looks stunning on the Fokker D.VII as these photos show.

Fokker D.VII – The Lethal Weapon, published by Kagero Publishing, ISBN 978-83-62878-33-8 Fokker D.VII, Anthology 1, published by Albatros Publications, LTD, ISBN 0-948414-99-5 Fokker D.VII, Anthology 3, published by Albatros Publications, LTD, ISBN 1-902207-28-9

Good Points;

Five marking options with excellent decals; Great parts fit; Nice instruction booklet

Bad Points;

The great parts fit requires attention to detail during assembly

Wingnut Wings 1:32 Fokker D.VII kits are magnificent productions and have set a high benchmark in terms of quality and originality.

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 40-45 FokkerDVII 223MN.indd 45

45

31/03/2014 17:27

FULL-BUILD: COLD WAR ARMOUR MENG GERMAN MAIN BATTLE TANK LEOPARD 1 A3/4 ● KIT NO.TS-007

BUNDESWEHR BRUISER Spencer Pollard completes Meng's recently released 1:35 Leopard 1 A3/4 in the NATO three-colour camo scheme

There is no doubt that this is the best “ of the currently available first-generation Leopards. It’s more accurate, better detailed, easier to build and offers more comprehensive features

”

M

odern armour is en vogue at the moment. More and more companies such as Trumpeter, Hobby Boss and now Meng are cottoning on to the fact that modellers have becoming increasingly keen on building vehicles that they can see in news footage, increasingly keen on replicating those machines that are in service and increasingly keen to build something that’s just a little bit, well, different. Meng are the newest company to walk

this path, with their Leopard 1A3/A4, the latest modern kit to appear. Though this famous German vehicle has found considerable favour over the last few years, kits have almost entirely covered the later Leopard 2 and its variants, the earlier, first generation vehicles being noticeable by their absence.

Sure, there have been kits from Tamiya, Italeri and Revell, but many of these are somewhat long in the tooth and a so a brand-new tooling has been a long time coming.

Well it’s here now, so let’s take a look at what we have.

IN THE BOX

The first thing that strikes you about Meng kits is the superb packaging. I know it’s not the most important factor in the success of a kit, but it does help create the impression of a quality product. Open up the box and you are then faced with a collection of wonderfully packaged plastic parts, excellent instructions, photo-etched frets and a

superb full-colour painting guide and decals covering four individual schemes. So far, so very good.

Across the board the quality of the moulding and the levels of detail is very good with plastic parts that are sharp and entirely flash-free. Sprue gates are kept to a minimum and moulding seams fine and easy to clean up. It is also worth pointing out that the kit is also broken down in a very straightforward manner and so the parts count is

46 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 46-53 Meng Leopard 223MN.indd 46

31/03/2014 17:29

kept to a minimum. Having built Trumpeter’s hugely complex – and very good – T-90, this one is a weekend project by comparison!

Digging deeper there are some really pleasing features that push this kit above and beyond those already available. The kit skirts for instance are beautifully detailed, replicating the dimpled surface texture of the originals to a tee. I was similarly impressed by the large upper hull its fine surface details being

well-defined and as sharp as one could wish for. The engine deck is particularly noteworthy here, a choice of fan inserts (one for the Greek option) and etched cover adding immeasurably to the illusion of reality.

TOP TOOLS

Smaller details are similarly impressive, the on-vehicle tools scoring particularly well in this regard. These are not only well-moulded and finely detailed, they include a full set of clamps

U

Images of the kit in its raw plastic reveal fine detail and precise mouldings. A high-quality production without doubt.

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 46-53 Meng Leopard 223MN.indd 47

47

31/03/2014 17:30

FULL-BUILD: COLD WAR ARMOUR MENG GERMAN MAIN BATTLE TANK LEOPARD 1 A3/4 ● KIT NO.TS-007

Meng’s Leopard is very easy to build, with perfect fit and little in the way of clean-up, to hold up progress.

A choice of vents is offered, the standard one seen here, and a tropical unit suitable for the Greek version.

V that are fine enough to pass

for aftermarket additions, without any of the additional work! You’ll also find a clear sprue that deals with the periscopes, headlights and searchlight lens, though rather disappointingly, not the rear lights which are moulded in situ as part of the rear hull plate.

Though there is much to enjoy in this kit, all is not completely perfect. The first items to let the kit down are the road wheels. These suffer from rear faces that are completely the wrong shape (looking to be fitted with large drum brakes!) and then hubs that are the too large inside rims

Though seen fixed in place in this shot, the wheels are only held in place with poly caps and so can be removed for painting.

Though virtually hidden on the completed model, these small vents on the engine deck are replicated in photo-etch.

that are far too sharply defined. Detail is soft too and though the addition of dirt and staining does much to hide the deficiencies on the outer faces, it can do little to hide the problems where they join the swing arms. Speaking of which, the swing arms are rather plain in appearance, lacking the circular depression and nipple where they are bolted to the torsion bars, but they do ‘work’ allowing a degree of movement that would be useful should you wish to build a vignette/ diorama around your model.

As most of the detail around the back of the wheels is hidden on the completed

A small amount of filling and sanding is needed where the side skirts meet the front mudguards.

Humbrol Model Filler and a touch of thin superglue dealt with this in short order.

model, we won’t labour that point too far here, but it is disappointing to see such mistakes in what is otherwise a fine kit.

VINYL TRACKS ARE OKAY!

The running gear is finished off with a choice of eight or fifteen-bolt sprockets and two vinyl track lengths or a full set of individual plastic links. When we planned this build, we considered using the Friulmodel tracks as we felt that they were better detailed and easier to put together than the kit’s tracks, but time got the better of us and so the more expedient single With the green dry, the brown could be applied.

Care was taken to follow the pattern shown in the instructions, to the letter.

Painting begins with several layers of Tamiya XF-71 Cockpit Green. The wheels were first sprayed black and then the hubs airbrushed with the help of a cheap circle template.

length tracks were used instead. As the detail was good enough, sag was not a problem and most of the links would be hidden on the completed model, these were painted and then fitted, normal liquid glue being used to join each run together. It’s

Before painting could begin in earnest, the model was sprayed with several thin layers of Tamiya Fine Surface Primer.

There is no doubt that the use of lighter colours at this stage makes the model appear to be more ‘in-scale’…

48 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 46-53 Meng Leopard 223MN.indd 48

31/03/2014 17:31

been a while since I’ve used vinyl tracks, but these looked great in place!

One of the more important features of this vehicle are the weld beads that pepper its surfaces. These are not dealt with particularly well being rather indistinct or the wrong pattern in places and though they are, by and large where they should be, could really do with some extra work to bulk them out and make the patterning on each one look somewhat more authentic. As this build was from the box, I took the simpler route and left them alone; should I build this kit again, I may well have a look at those beads and spend a few a hours making the necessary corrections.

As is apparent from the opening description, this kit actually replicates both the 1A3 and 1A4 variants. In so doing, a number of optional parts are included such as the PERI R12 Panoramic Periscope and PZB200 Sighting System, smaller periscopes and antenna mounts. The instructions are explicit when it comes to what goes where, so you won’t be left in the dark whilst build you model, but be forewarned that a number of these parts will need holes to be drilled to allow them to fit, so you will need to decide early on which version you want to build and stick with it.

In offering the two variants, the kit supplies four different colour schemes. These are as follows:

•Leopard 1A3 Bundeswehr 2 Squadron, 304 Panzer Battalion, mid 1980s.

Finished in three-tone NATO camouflage •Leopard 1A3 Bundeswehr 4 Squadron, 301 Panzer Battalion, 1980s. Finished in plain green.

•Leopard 1A4 Bundeswehr 4 Squadron, 293 Panzer Battalion, 1980s. Finished in plain green •Leopard GR1 Hellenic Army. Finished in four-tone Hellenic Army brown, green, black, sand.

The camouflage is completed with the addition of the German Grey layer.

Note the tight demarcations, made possible thanks to the use of Tamiya acrylics and Mr Color Thinner.

For this build I unashamedly built a ‘what if’ model that I intend using as part of a diorama later in the year. I really liked the idea of building a vehicle fitted with the PZB200 sight, but also liked the three-tone colours. As I was already taking liberties with the fixtures and fittings, it seemed to be no more problematic to do so with the markings too and so I used the sombre 293rd Squadron colours and numbers to decorate my fantasy vehicle.

I appreciate that this was an A4 and would not be backdated to an A3 with an updated colour scheme(!), but it fitted my need to build a generic vehicle that will live in a completely imagined, fictional location.

Had I considered this any more, I would simply have used the first option on the list and just fitted the sight in place on the mantlet to create an almost accurate A3, but that would have been far to sensible! I guess I just have to be different…

Mini Review...

ULTRACAST 1:48 FW190A-F PROP AND SPINNER VDM 9-12126A WIDE WOODEN BLADES KIT NO.48254 ultracast.ca

U

With the camouflage painted, the entire model was sprayed with a fine layer of Tamiya Buff to both blend the colours together and provide the first layer of weathering.

The real trick with these schemes is to define the different colours as accurately as possible. This can be done with masking, or as seen here, freehand.

As this ‘fantasy’ vehicle was supposed to have been repainted, the inside of the hatches were left in their original Olive Drab colour.

Though looking fine in its camouflage, the details needed to be defined and so the model was treated to a pin-wash mixed from Winsor & Newton Raw Umber, thinned with white spirit.

Designed for Hasegawa’s Fw190 A to F, this resin set provides new cooling fans, spinner and beautifully formed blades to replace the kit parts. The castings are impeccable and very finely mastered, offering a touch of delicate refinement to the kit. Just a little clean-up of the resin is needed, then it’s a straight swap for the kit parts.

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 46-53 Meng Leopard 223MN.indd 49

49

31/03/2014 17:31

FULL-BUILD: COLD WAR ARMOUR MENG GERMAN MAIN BATTLE TANK LEOPARD 1 A3/4 ● KIT NO.TS-007

V CONSTRUCTION As mentioned earlier, this

is a very simple kit that even a beginner could tackle with confidence.

Everything is well moulded and having now finished it, I can say that there are real no fit issues whatsoever: everything goes where it should. Work begins on the lower hull, suspension and running gear. The one-piece lower hull tub is decorated with all of the smaller suspension dampers, bump-stops and mounts for the idler and sprocket wheels. Once in place the swing arms can be slotted through the wall of the hull. These are fixed inside the hull so that the swing arms can rotate, tensioned prototypically, by the torsion bars. This works well and adds a degree of flexibility when it comes to the set up of the model later on. Should you wish to represent wheels over uneven terrain, leave the arms loose, but if not, I would suggest fixing the arms permanently at this point. The wheels are easy to clean up and assemble, the two halves of the main units trapping a poly-cap, thus allowing the wheels to be removed for painting.

Two types of sprocket are included, the later 15-bolt units being suitable from the Greek option.

HULL MATING

The upper hull fits well to the completed lower hull, as does the rear hull plate.

As usual, I joined all of these parts prior to adding the smaller details, any adjustment that may have been needed, being possible without worrying about damaging the finer details.

The smaller items such as the tools were

essentially used as-is, the only improvements being to open out some of the solid locking clamps with a fine drill bit and scalpel. Detail here really is top drawer, each tool capturing the look and feel of the originals to a tee. Though the instructions suggest adding the clear periscopes now, these were left off – as were their etched guards – until after the model had been painted and weathered.

One of the weaknesses in this kit is the depiction of the exhaust outlets on the rear hull sides. These are extremely toy-like and really don’t capture the delicate look of the real thing at all. In fact, Italeri’s '70s era kit depicts these items with more finesse, which is astonishing given the quality of much of the rest of the kit.

They were used as supplied here, but should I build this kit again they would be replaced as they really do detract from the look of the completed model.

The final items to be added were the two large side skirts. These run the entire length of the Leopard, their front end forming a smooth, curved mudguard.

As supplied in the kit, there is a joint line that needs to be dealt with where the two mudguard halves meet, so this was glued together with MEK, left to dry and then filled with thin Humbrol Model Filler and thin superglue. This was then sanded smooth and polished with fine sanding sponges until all trace of the joint had disappeared.

p 46-53 Meng Leopard 223MN.indd 50

Old School! The model looked really pleasing at this point, but it was now time for some dirt!

with plenty of small features such as hatches, sights, smoke dischargers and that distinctive gun barrel. The instructions suggest starting with the searchlight and in this case, PZB200 Sighting System.

These are easy to construct, the searchlight offering a choice of open or closed

doors, a glazed panel being used should the former be chosen for your model. The PZB200 is an interesting item that surrounded by a complex protective frame that’s moulded incredibly, in only one piece! You may find a touch of cleaning up here and there, but essentially it can be used

TURRET TIME

The turret is up next. As with the hull, the turret is assembled from several large sections detailed

Weathering began with the application of different shades of dusty pigments.

50 May 2014 TMMI 223

With the wash dry, the details were drybrushed with Humbrol enamels. This both popped the detail and smoothed out the finish.

The pigments were applied ‘dry’ and also mixed with thinners, the latter splattered over the suspension with and old, flat brush.

The results of the washing and drybrushing can be seen in this view, especially on the side skirts.

Here you can see the build-up of pigments on the upper surfaces of the model. This will be initially fixed with thinners, blended in with a soft brush and then permanently fixed with Mig Productions Pigment Fixer.

31/03/2014 17:32

Though I mainly used oils and enamels to apply stains and the like on this model, some use was made of proprietary weathering solution such as AK Interactive’s Oil Stains.

as supplied, slipping neatly over the sight.

The barrel is moulded in two halves with a separate muzzle – complete with delicate rifling – to complete its front end. Though one-piece barrels are de rigueur these days, two part barrels can look very good so long as you take your time to line up the two halves before committing to the glue pot.

You can then clean it up with fine sanding sticks and polishing pads to create a smooth, round barrel. With the barrel slipped into place on the mantlet and then the searchlight and PZB200 fixed to their brackets, this sub-assembly can be fixed to the mounts within the turret and then the shell completed, ready for the smaller details.

As mentioned earlier, the different vehicles are fitted with different optical devices such as the PERI R12 Panoramic Periscope and so you need to drill holes into the turret to mount some of them. This is simple enough, but it does mean that you have to make early choices as to which vehicle you are going to model. You could of course be fly and simply open up all of the holes to increase the time needed to make a decision and then close up the ones you don’t need, but I’d rather be more prepared! Whilst making those decisions you can add either of the two different antenna bases and mounts, before dealing with the hatches and smoke dischargers. These items are delicately moulded and relatively easy to assemble, despite the smoke dischargers needing no end of adjustment, before they

Tiny mud splashes were added to the model using AK’s Fresh Mud, flicked over the model using an old, flat brush.

The lights were first painted silver and then ‘glazed’ with Tamiya clear colours.

were all lined up and in the correct position relative to each other. Before tackling the paint job, the model was checked for any flaws and then the instruction inspected to see if I’d missed any of the smaller parts, which is easily done during a detailed build such as this!

The model was now ready to be painted.

The engine deck is complete. Note the dust and staining here.

CAMOUFLAGE AND MARKINGS

Painting commenced by giving the model several thin coats of Tamiya’s Super Fine Primer to create a smooth, hard surface onto which I could apply the three-tone camouflage. Across the board I used Tamiya acrylics thinned with Mr Color Thinner, sprayed with my Iwata HP-CH airbrush. I’ve long-since stopped using pre-shading, but in this case I felt it worth spraying a dark colour under the hull and inside the skirts, hull sides and onto the back of the roadwheels. The wheels were then stuck onto a kit box with double-sided tape and sprayed with several thin coats of flat black. Once dry, a circle template was used to mask off the rims so that they could be sprayed green to match the upper surfaces. It was now time to paint the camouflage.

If you paint one of these three-tone NATO schemes, you have off the shelf choices of colour with Tamiya’s NATO Green, Black and Brown topping the list for acrylic users. The problem with these colours is that despite being close to the real shades, they are too dark for a miniature and are very difficult to weather pleasingly, as a result. That

A simple pencil adds a metallic sheen on the tools and tow-rope.

being so, I’ve replaced each one of these with lighter colours that once weathered, are closer to the shades I feel is appropriate on a 1:35 model. So, in this case I used XF-71 Cockpit Green, XF-63 German Grey and Tamiya XF-68 NATO Brown lightened with around 30% XF-15 Flat Flesh. In combination, these shades look very good on a model

and having now used them twice – the first time on Revell’s SPF Puma – I’m more than happy with my choices!

CAMO; ORDER OF PLAY

The camouflage was applied by first spraying the entire model with the Cockpit Green. This entailed several thin layers dried between each one with a hairdryer,

U

The rear of the hull shows off how the layers of weathering work together to create a realistic finish.

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 46-53 Meng Leopard 223MN.indd 51

51

31/03/2014 17:32

FULL-BUILD: COLD WAR ARMOUR MENG GERMAN MAIN BATTLE TANK LEOPARD 1 A3/4 ● KIT NO.TS-007

V followed by one final, thicker

The tools are an integral part of the model and must be painted and weathered with the same level of attention as the rest of the model.

The two, crew figures are actually the same basic resin figure.

The smaller chap was used stock, the larger commander was converted with a new head and sculpted hood.

They were both painted entirely in Vallejo acrylics.

There’s a vent of the right-hand side of the hull that needs to be carefully weathered to create a rusty, sooty appearance.

Note the wooden tool handles, painted in oils over an acrylic base-coat.

The headlights are the only glazed lights on the model. Decals were applied with the aid of Johnsons Klear before being oversprayed with matt varnish and then blended in with oils and pigments.

coat to ensure everything was evenly covered. The brown and dark grey camouflage could then be applied, thinning each colour with 50% thinners to ensure that the demarcation lines between the colours were as tight as possible.

Once again, the surface of the model was checked and any areas of missing colour or evidence of overspray, were dealt with. The model was now set aside to dry before being sprayed with a layer of Games Workshop Purity Seal. This is an aerosol satin varnish that sprays beautifully and dries incredibly quickly to produce an ultra-smooth, rock-hard finish ready to be weathered.

Try it – you won’t be disappointed!

Happy that the camouflage was perfectly dry, the whole model was sprayed with a very thin layer of Tamiya Buff thinned with 80% thinners. This served two purposes: firstly, it blended the three colours together slightly and secondly, added the initial layer of dust, onto which I could begin the main weathering runs. At this point the model looked fine, but of course needed more work to define those details and create a well-used machine.

This began by mixing a thin wash from Winsor & Newton Raw Umber oil paint, Humbrol Matt Black and white spirit. The model was then dampened small areas at a time and then the washes carefully applied around details, panel lines and corners. Once dry, any excess was blended away with a soft, flat brush, dragging some of the wash down the vertical surfaces to create the impression of dirt runs, rain wash and the like (this is particularly apparent on the sides of the turret just behind the mantlet). The whole model was treated to this initial run of washes and then set aside overnight to dry.

DRYBRUSHING RETURNS

More splashes, dust and dirt.

Lovely!

One of the techniques I’ve returned to lately is drybrushing. Though slightly out of favour amongst modellers, I feel that it is a useful way of refreshing a

finish post washing and so I mix up lightened shades of the camouflage colours using Humbrol enamels and then carefully drybrush each colour individually, until the smaller details subtly pop out. This is done slowly and with a light touch; I’m not looking to create a ‘frosted’ surface, just highlight those delicate details and in the process, deepen the shadows created by the washes. It also helps to smooth out the finish and further unify the colours.

I have to admit that I rather liked the ‘old-school’ look of the model at this point, but knew that it was necessary to further degrade the finish with pigments and additional washes, until the model looked as grubby as those real vehicles I had studied in my reference photos. To do this I gradually applied some random deposits of Mig Production Europe Earth pigment, fixing each layer into place with Mig’s Thinners For Washes (plain white spirit would also do) before blending in the effected areas of dust with a soft brush. This was repeated over the surface of the model until happy, before airbrushing it with a layer of Mig’s Pigment Fixer to set everything in place.

Now for the fun part! I mixed some of the pigment with thinners to create a coloured solution and then airbrushed the results over the surface of the model, the rear hull plate, bow plate and nose, side skirts and upper surfaces – heavier around the lower flanks, lighter on the upper surfaces. At first you see no effect of this work, but as the thinners evaporates you’ll see the surfaces lighten and become covered in a very thin, evenly distributed layer of dust.

This layer can then be manipulated with brushes, a finger, cotton buds and soft cloth, to create the

52 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 46-53 Meng Leopard 223MN.indd 52

31/03/2014 17:33

most wonderfully realistic dust effect. Once again, it is worked to personal satisfaction and then fixed with an airbrushed layer of Fixer. I’ve tried dozens of ways of replicating dust on a model, but nothing come close to this one, both in terms of realism and ease of manipulation.

EXTRA WEATHERING EFFECTS

It is always tempting to leave a model be at this point, but though ‘weathered’ the dust and dirt tends to look a little bland and so it’s now given a few layers of additional washes to add to the impression of use and break up that rather monochrome dust.

In this instance I used the same Raw Umber and Matt Black wash mixed earlier, along with some of AK Interactive’s Dark Mud. These two solutions were applied with a brush in controlled layers, or flicked onto the model with an old flat brush. Flicking the colour onto the model really helps to impart the look of random splashes and stains and is something that I do a great deal, both on armour an aircraft. To see how this looks in practice, please examine the nose, wheels and rear hull plate of this

model, all of which have been heavily treated with these layers of colour.

The smaller details could now be painted. As with many modern vehicles there really is no quick way around the finishing of the vehicles fixtures and fittings, you just have to bite the bullet and get cracking! The easiest way to do this is to block out all of the tools with their relevant colours and then overlay other shades as appropriate. For instance, the tools were painted with matt black metallic parts and desert yellow wooden handles. Once dry the metallic parts were washed with Humbrol Khaki Drill and then drybrushed with more matt black, before rubbing each one with a fine layer of graphite to create a metallic finish. The wooden handles could then be coated with a thin layer of neat Raw Umber oil paint and the excess removed in long thin strokes, each one creating the illusion of wood grain.

Once dry, some shading

could be added and then the clamps painted with their relevant camouflage colours. Dark washes and the application of pigments finished the job.

FINAL THOUGHTS…

As with any new kit there are expectations: will it will be better than those that have gone before; will it be more comprehensively detailed, exhibit greater levels of accuracy, be easier to build, or capture the essence of the subject matter in a more pleasing way. Meng’s Leopard was certainly no different in this respect. Commentators were offering opinions on this kit long before it was released, questioning whether or not it would be a step-up from kits such as Italeri’s still very good, 1970s offering.

Having now built it, the answer is certainly yes, but with a few provisos.

There is no doubt that this is the best of the currently available first-generation Leopards. It’s more accurate, better detailed, easier to build and offers more comprehensive features.

But it’s not perfect and in some ways is worse than those earlier kits; the wheels are poor, suspension items bland and those engine exhausts are terrible – not a long list by any means, but enough to knock the gloss off what could have been and outstanding new kit.

I enjoyed building Meng’s Leopard and I really like the completed model. In my opinion this is the best looking member of the Leopard family and it’s good to finally have this model in the display case, which after all, really is the object of the exercise and for that reason, I would consider this new kit a success and one to be recommended. ●

MODELSPEC MENG GERMAN MAIN BATTLE TANK LEOPARD 1 A3/4 KIT NO.TS-007

Materials;

Injection moulded green polystyrene, photo-etch brass, soft-vinyl tracks

Paints used;

Tamiya Super Fine Primer, Tamiya Acrylics XF-71 Cockpit Green, XF-63 German Grey, Tamiya XF-68 NATO Brown, XF-15 Flat, Flesh, XF-57 Buff Winsor & Newton Raw Umber oil paint Humbrol Matt Black Mig’s Thinners For Washes

Meng availability;

www.creativemodels.co.uk TMMI 223 May 2014

p 46-53 Meng Leopard 223MN.indd 53

53

31/03/2014 17:33

New Releases A selection of the latest full kits in plastic, resin, metal and more!

What’s in the box?

AD; ACETATE DIALS, BB; BASE BOARD, CC; CAST CERAMIC (PLASTER), CMA; CAST METAL ALLOY, CP; CHROMED PARTS, CPS; CLEAR PLASTIC SHEET, DT; DRY TRANSFER (DECALS), EPS; EXTRUDED PLASTIC SECTION, F; FABR MW; METAL WIRE, MT; METAL TUBING, NM; NYLON MESH, PE; PHOTO ETCH, PCM; PRE-CUT MASKS, R; RESIN, SVT; SOFT VINYL TYRES (OR TUBING), VF; VINYL FIGURES, VFP; VACUUM FORMED (PLASTIC), WC; WOVEN COR

REVELL, USA

STEARMAN PT-17 www.revell.com SCALE; 1:48 • MATERIALS; IM, WS KIT NUMBER; 85-5264 The Stearman is a real American classic and Revell’s new-tool kit does it proud. The model features all the elements you’d expect in a modern release; recessed panel lines where appropriate, stressed-fabric effect on the wings, impressive cockpit detail with internal structures, a finely detailed, multi-part engine and clean, flash-free mouldings. The subject choice is as impeccable as the kit parts and this handsome trainer will look magnificent in its overall yellow or yellow and blue scheme. The instructions come with a useful rigging guide for which the modeller could use stretched sprue, wire or fine fishing line.

A gorgeous subject from the golden era of aviation – American through-and-through. Excellent detail inside and out Rigging will need a steady hand and an accurate touch

EDUARD, CZECH REPUBLIC

MIG-15BIS PROFIPACK www.eduard.com • www.creativemodels.co.uk www.hannants.co.uk • www.lsamodels.co.uk SCALE; 1:72 • MATERIALS; IM, PE, PCM, WS • KIT NUMBER; 7056 Eduard’s much heralded, new-tool MiG-15 is now here, and what a little gem it is. It’s moulded in Eduard’s characteristic dark, blue-grey polystyrene which allows a good view of the surface detail. They have done a fantastic job here, with incredibly fine, appropriate-for-the-scale structural lines, panel fasteners and access hatches over the airframe. A pre-coloured photo-etched cockpit set is provided in this ProfiPACK release, along with the ever-useful pre-cut canopy masks. Markings for North Korean, Russian, Cuban, Egyptian and East German aircraft are included, all in overall natural metal. It’s a lovely little production.

Classic subject choice of course, with fabulous detail and generous markings-options Some tiny parts here – tweezers at the ready

54 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 54-57 NR Kits 223MN.indd 54

31/03/2014 17:34

*Please turn to page 64 for contact details of products featured here

Kit Reviews

STIC SECTION, F; FABRIC, IM; INJECTION MOULDED (PLASTIC), ITL; INDIVIDUAL TRACK LINKS, LCC; LASER CUT CARD, LLT; LINK AND LENGTH TRACKS, MC; METAL CHAIN, MMA; MACHINED METAL ALLOY, MR; METAL ROD, TIC), WC; WOVEN CORD, WS; WATERSLIDE (DECALS)

STATESIDE STYLE Newly issued and re-issued from Revell USA (including Monogram) is this fabulously varied selection of cars and trucks in 1:24 and 1:25, all making a refreshingly American-feeling change to the usual TMMI fare. The kits come in those appealing, standard-size boxes and often with optional parts to build different versions. Detail is great and the models build easily and fit well; tons of fun! www.revell.com

REVELL 1:25 '65 CHEVELLE SS 396 Z-16 (85-4055)

REVELL 1:25 ‘90 MUSTANG LX 5.0 (85-4252)

REVELL 1:25 2013 MUSTANG BOSS 302 (85-4187)

REVELL 1:25 CHIP FOOSE ‘65 CHEVY IMPALA (85-4190)

REVELL 1:25 CHIP FOOSE ‘67 DODGE REVELL 1:25 THAMES PANEL TRUCK CHARGER 426 HEMI (85-4051) (85-4199)

REVELL ED ROTH RAT FINK WITH DIORAMA (85-6732)

MONOGRAM 1:24 PLYMOUTH DUSTER COP OUT FUNNY CAR (85-4093)

MONOGRAM 1:24 GARBAGE TRUCK (85-4198)

TMMI 222 May 2014

p 54-57 NR Kits 223MN.indd 55

55

31/03/2014 17:35

New Releases A selection of the latest full kits in plastic, resin, metal and more!

What’s in the box?

AD; ACETATE DIALS, BB; BASE BOARD, CC; CAST CERAMIC (PLASTER), CMA; CAST METAL ALLOY, CP; CHROMED PARTS, CPS; CLEAR PLASTIC SHEET, DT; DRY TRANSFER (DECALS), EPS; EXTRUDED PLASTIC SECTION, F; FABR MC; METAL CHAIN, MMA; MACHINED METAL ALLOY, MR; METAL ROD, MW; METAL WIRE, MT; METAL TUBING, NM; NYLON MESH, PE; PHOTO ETCH, PCM; PRE-CUT MASKS, R; RESIN, SVT; SOFT VINYL TYRES (OR TUBING), VF;

KINETIC, HONG KONG

FOUGA CM.170 MAGISTER (X2 KITS) www.luckymodel.com SCALE; 1:48 • MATERIALS; IM, PE, WS • KIT NUMBER; K48051 The graceful Fouga Magister jet is an aircraft that has been long neglected in kit form, but recently the subject has come to life with at least two, new-tool 1:48 models being issued. We have received Kinetic’s offering and it’s a ‘two-kits-in-one-box’ release.

The model has a different ‘feel’ to it than previous Kinetic releases, with a much finer level of surface detail and moulding ‘style’, which is of course a good thing. The slender lines of the 1950s French trainer jet have been reproduced well, and the delicacy of the new moulding style suits it well. The cockpit is well done, with plenty of detail to observe through the long canopy. The nose features internal structures for the front UC leg, control surfaces are individually moulded and underwing stores are provided. Markings for Belgian, French Armée de l’Air, French Patrouille de France and two interesting Israeli versions (one in camouflage) are proved.

Two kits are supplied in the box, which is a real plus – and it’s a lovely little kit too. Great markings options An Irish Air Corps option would have been a nice inclusion but Maxdecals will provide us with this

BRONCO MODELS, HONG KONG

BUFFALO 6X6 MPCV W/SLAT ARMOUR www.hannants.co.uk SCALE; 1:35 • MATERIALS; IM, PE, WS • KIT NUMBER; CB35101 Bronco released their initial kit of the mighty Buffalo some while back, and it made quite an impression. Now we have the bararmour version and it greatly adds to the visual impact of this vast MRAP machine. When it was announced, it was assumed the armour would come in the form of sheets of photo-etched brass requiring painstaking assembly, but in fact it’s much more practical than that; it’s all moulded in kit plastic in panels. You might assume, fairly, that this would mean the bars would be overscale but we must not forget that Bronco have a well-practised ability to create incredibly thin injection-moulded parts and here, they are well within scale. In fact they look fantastic, building into two vast side-panels, plus a rear panel and individual elements for the windscreen and radiator areas, so not too complex at all. In this release we are also treated to a bonus of a CROWS gun turret.

Fantastic detail, extremely finely moulded bar armour panels Tyres are excellent but not weight-bulged; DEF Models have the fix for that

56 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 54-57 NR Kits 223MN.indd 56

31/03/2014 17:35

Kit Reviews

*Please turn to page 64 for contact details of products featured here

STIC SECTION, F; FABRIC, IM; INJECTION MOULDED (PLASTIC), ITL; INDIVIDUAL TRACK LINKS, LCC; LASER CUT CARD, LLT; LINK AND LENGTH TRACKS, YRES (OR TUBING), VF; VINYL FIGURES, VFP; VACUUM FORMED (PLASTIC), WC; WOVEN CORD, WS; WATERSLIDE (DECALS)

ROUND2 MODELS This company is now responsible for some great model kits brands from years gone by; AMT, MPC, Hawk, Lindberg and also the newer name, Polar Lights. These ranges contain some true scale modelling treasures and it's fantastic to see the kits available again. Some have been upgraded with new parts and other enhancements and some kits are completely new, such as the amazing 1:9 Kane figure from 'Alien', due soon from Polar Lights. One of our favourites at TMMI is the AMT 1:25 Ecto-1A Cadillac ambulance from Ghostbusters which was originally released to accompany the film. The kit does need a little TLC and some extra detail, but it's a great model nonetheless. ParaGrafix from the USA offer a fantastic detail set (below right) for the kit which is based around photoetched parts for interior instrumentation, New York number plates and new LED dotmatrix message panels with pre-configured 'messages' on clear film that is ready to be backlit. This set will greatly enhance the kit and well worth the investment.

Also received from Round2 Models is the 1:1000 USS Enterprise from 'Space Seed' (Episode 22, Season 1 of the original TV series), which comes with a new kit of the 'SS Botany Bay' ship that featured in that episode.

It's a nicely detailed model of this classic space vessel and small enough for easy shelf display.

MPC's Knight Rider 'Knight Industries Two Thousand' is a well detailed 1:25 rendition of KITT (a 1982 Pontiac Trans Am) that comes with clear and smoked-plastic window mouldings plus the futuristic (for the '80s, at least) interior equipment.

Finally, in MPC's 1976 'Fundimensions' line is the 1:25 'Space: 1999 The Alien' car kit which never appeared in the TV show, but was great fun all the same. It's great to see this bizarre but very lovable model available again.

Below, images of the ParaGrafix PE and acetate detail set for Ecto-1A. www.paragrafix.biz

More Round2 releases coming to TMMI soon! www.round2models.com www.paragrafix.biz

BINDERS

Keep your Tamiya Model Magazines safe in a high quality binder.

Each binder holds 12 issues.

£8.50

+ postage (UK - £2.45, Europe - £4.45, Worldwide - £6.45)

Available direct from our offices on

+44 (0)1525 222573 or online at:

www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com TMMI 222 May 2014

p 54-57 NR Kits 223MN.indd 57

57

31/03/2014 17:35

Book Reviews GOT A NEW BOOK? IF

YOU ARE A PUBLISHER WITH A NEW MODELLING RELATED TITLE TO PUBLICISE, WHY NOT SEND IN A COPY FOR REVIEW HERE?

MIG-21 UM ‘TIGER’ IN THE POLISH AIR FORCE, DETAIL & COLOR 1

MAREK IDZIOR, HUSSAR PRODUCTIONS • ISBN 978-0-9781091-3-4 • www.hussarproductions.com This new, soft-cover, ninety-six page book by Hussar Productions from Canada takes a look at the colourful ‘Tiger’ MiG-21UMs of the Polish Airforce. The use of colour photography (over 140 colour images) and excellent profile illustrations (six paint-schemes in) shows the aircraft off extremely well and the inclusion of two sheets of decals in 1:32, 1:48 and 1:72 (including Polish stencilling data) is the icing on the cake. MN

THE GREAT WAR FROM THE AIR, THEN AND NOW

GAIL RAMSEY, AFTER THE BATTLE • ISBN 1-870067-81-9 • www.afterthebattle.com World War One caused the extensive destruction of villages, farms and forests on an unprecedented scale, creating a cratered and ruined landscape of large parts of northern France and western Belgium. Thanks to the-then new science of aerial photography, this destruction was documented from the air and using remaining landmarks, it has been possible to determine the locations of the original photographs using modern technology such as Google Earth. This new volume from Gail Ramsey for After The Battle may not be of direct ‘use’ to scale modellers as a reference book, but provides, nonetheless, a fascinating look at the mind-boggling levels of devastation caused by the conflict, most prominently the thousands, if not millions, of shell craters.

Comparison images are provided, showing how the areas look today; Houthulst, Vlamertinghe, Bailleul, Armentières, Houplines, Wulvergem, Crête des Eparges, Hindenburg Line, Fampoux, Vimy Ridge, Bullecourt, Wytschaete, Verdun, Sanctuary Wood, Maricourt, Hébuterne, Serre, Passchandaele, Lens, Dury, Chérisy and many more locations are covered. A fascinating production if you are interested in military history and a very poignant reminder of the war’s effect on the landscape. MN

SPITFIRE MK.IX IN COLOR, DETAIL & COLOR 2

BRETT GREEN, JACEK JACKIEWICZ, HUSSAR PRODUCTIONS • ISBN 978-0-9781091-4-1 • www.hussarproductions.com Volume No.2 in Hussar’s ‘Detail and Color’ series focuses on the Spitfire Mk.IX, providing twenty-four, soft-covered pages of colour illustrations of the aircraft, offering the modeller plenty of options for their model project. As with Hussar’s MiG-21UM book, we are treated to a sheet of decals, this time in 1:48 only but offering a large list of options; 2I-E - 443 RCAF Sq, flown by Sq.Ldr. Wally McLeod • AE-W - 402 RCAF Sq, flown by Sq.Ldr. Lorne M. Cameron, AE-B - 402 RCAF Sq, flown by Ian Keltie, Curieux - French GR2/33 Savoy, White 26 - 101 Israeli Sq 1948 • 5J-K “Muscat” - 126 Sq RAF, flown by John Agorastos Plagis, QJ-1 - 92 SQ RAF Italy 1943, YT-Jas - 65 Sq RAF, flown by Sq.Ldr. James Storrar, WD-L - 4FS, 52FG USAAF, flown by Lt. Victor Cabas, Italy 1943 • WZ-GJ - 309FS, 31FG, flown by Mj. Garth Jared, WZ-JJ - 309FS, 31 FG, flown by 2lt. John Fawcett, White 78 - Soviet 26th GvIAP, Leningrad 1945. Great value at around £13.50. MN

HORTEN HO229 SPIRIT OF THURINGIA, THE HORTEN ALL-WING JET FIGHTER

ANDREI SHEPELEV, HUIB OTTENS, CLASSIC/IAN ALLAN PUBLISHING ISBN 978-1-90322306606 • www.ianallanpublishing.com With Zoukei-Mura’s release in the next few months of potentially the most detailed kit yet of the Horten Ho229, this book could not have been better timed. Within the 130+ hard-backed pages the reader is provided with a mass of information about this amazing aircraft, from the earliest developments in the 1930s when the flying-wing concept was first investigated, through the various developmental gliders and powered aircraft prototypes and finally to the Ho229 V3 that was discovered by US troops in the German town of Friedrichroda in Gotha, Thuringia. Plentiful photographs taken at the time of discovery are included, showing the V3’s construction, engines, cockpit and more and a further selection of how it looks today (at the Garber facility of the NASM Smithsonian) also feature, showing the un-restored centre section of the aircraft, in colour. An authoritative text and detailed line-drawings complete this very thorough production, a worthwhile investment as a companion to ZM’s forthcoming kit. MN

58 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 58 Books 223MN.indd 56

31/03/2014 17:37

tmmi_223_tmmi_223 14/03/2014 12:37 Page 1

MODEL KITS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

RIBUTION

I:35

NEW

I:35

AF35S70

AVAILABLE IN ALL GOOD MODEL SHOPS

POCKETBOND DISTR

CENTURION MK 5/I IDF SHO'T KAL I973 AF35I24

HOBBY BOSS TOOLING

NEW

QF MK 4 6 PDR BRITISH ANTI-TANK GUN LATE AF352I7

I:35

I:35

NEW I:35 AEC MATADOR, EARLY, BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE I940 AF35236

NEW NEW

NEW CHURCHILL 3 INCH 20CWT GUN CARRIER AF35253

GERMAN EMC TYPE II MINES (QTY 4) AF3526I AF3527I

I:35

I:32

I:48

F-4C PHANTOM "VIETNAMESE WAR" AYI2294

SPW-70 EAST GERMANY TM0I592

I:35

GLOSTER METEOR F.4 HK0IE06

I:72

NEW

I:35

I:48

NEW

NEW

J-8F FINBACK TM02847

I:350

NEW FAIRCHILD C-I23B PROVIDER URO-056

I:48

NEW SUPERMARINE ATTACKER FB.2 FIGHTER TM02867

I:35 I:35

HMS ROBERTS Monitor TM05335

NEW I:I44

PG9I20

T-64BV MOD I985 TM05522

NEW

NEW

NEW

S-5I SOVIET SELF-PROPELLED GUN TM05583

I:72

OSA-I RUSSIAN NAVY MISSILE BOAT MM6720I

NEW

Send £4.30 in loose stamps to receive Trumpeter’s 2014/15 catalogue and receive the new Pocketbond catalogue free!

UK residents only.

Allow 28 days for delivery.

Exclusive UK Distributors POCKETBOND LTD (Dept TMMI/223)

P.O.BOX 80, WELWYN, HERTS, AL6 0ND. Trade enquiries only on tel 01707 391509, fax 01707 327466, info@pocketbond.co.uk

New Releases

Please turn to page 60 for the

The latest photo-etched sets, resin parts, figures and accessories to enhance your scale models...

What’s in the box?

AD; ACETATE DIALS, CC; CAST CERAMIC (PLASTER), CMA; CAST METAL ALLOY, CP; CHROMED PARTS, DT; DRY TRANSFER (DECALS), EPS; EXTRUDED PLASTIC SECTION, F; FABRIC, IM; INJECTION MOULDED (PLAST MC; METAL CHAIN, MMA; MACHINED METAL ALLOY, MW; METAL WIRE, MT; METAL TUBING, NM; NYLON MESH, PE; PHOTO ETCH, PCM; PRE-CUT MASKS, R; RESIN, SVT; SOFT VINYL TYRES (OR TUBING), VF; VINYL

EDUARD, CZECH REPUBLIC

www.eduard.com • www.creativemodels.co.uk www.hannants.co.uk • www.lsamodels.co.uk We showed the factory images of the new 1:72 Phoenix and Sparrow missiles last issues and now that we have the products to inspect and photograph, they really are superbly well detailed and ideal for arming up a suitable modern US jet; fantastic resin castings with photo-etched detail.

Revell's recently released 1:72 Type IXC u-boat gets two more sets of PE, this time for its decking and pressure hull screening, all of which will add an extra touch of refinement to this magnificent model. MN 1:72 BRASSIN SETS; AIM-54C Phoenix (672031) AIM-7M Sparrow (672032) 1:72 PHOTO-ETCHED SETS U-Boat IXC Pt.2 (53107) for Revell U-Boat IXC Pt. (531078) for Revell 1:48 PHOTO-ETCHED SETS Me410A-1 engine (48798) for Meng F-35B interior self-adhesive (49653) for Kittyhawk F-4C exterior (48800) for Academy F-4C interior self-adhesive (49672) for Academy F-4C seatbelts (49673) for Academy Mirage F.1B exterior (48799) for Kittyhawk Mirage F.1Binterior self-adhesive (49654) for Kittyhawk Mirage F.1B seatbelts (49671) for Kittyhawk 1:32 PHOTO-ETCHED SETS Me163B exterior (32355) for Meng 1:48 ZOOM F-35B interior self-adhesive (FE653) for Kittyhawk F-4C interior self-adhesive (FE672) for Academy 1:32 MASK N1K2-J Shiden Kai (JX164) for Hasegawa 1:48 MASK Gloster Javelin FAW. 9/9R (EX411) for Airfix MiG-21PFM Weekend (EX403) for Eduard F-4C (EX414) for Academy 1:72 MASK Harrier GR.3 (CX379) for Airfix

1:32 Me163B exterior

1:32 Me163B exterior

1:32 Me163B exterior

1:48 Mirage F.1B exterior

1:48 Mirage F.1B exterior

1:48 Mirage F.1B exterior

1:48 F-4C exterior

1:48 F-4C exterior

1:48 F-4C exterior

1:72 U-Boat IXC

1:72 U-Boat IXC

1:72 U-Boat IXC

1:72 U-Boat IXC

1:72 U-Boat IXC

1:72 AIM-54C Phoenix

1:48 F-35B interior self-adhesive Zoom

1:48 F-4C interior self-adhesive Zoom

1:72 AIM-7M Sparrow

GUNTHWAITE MINIATURES, UK

www.gunthwaite.co.uk 1:72 FIGURES Recently arrived from Gunthwaite Miniatures are three sets of three figures for British WW2 Fleet Air Arm Swordfish pilot and crew, FAA flight-deck handlers and a set of British and Commonwealth sailors; officers and ratings in dufflecoats. All are cast in white metal and are superbly well detailed with accurate uniform and equipment details. A steady hand and a good eye will be need when painting them but they will greatly enhance a model and give it some life.

1:72 FLEET AIR ARM SWORDFISH PILOT AND CREW (GM72-022) 1:72 FLEET AIR ARM FLIGHTDECK HANDLERS AND WHEEL CHOCKS (GM72-023) 1:72 BRITISH AND COMMONWEALTH SAILORS; OFFICERS AND RATINGS IN DUFFLECOATS (GM72-024)

GM72-023

60 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 60-61 NR Access 223MN.indd 60

GM72-024

GM72-022

TMMI 222 April 2014

60

31/03/2014 18:00

Accessories

ION MOULDED (PLASTIC), ITL; INDIVIDUAL TRACK LINKS, LCC; LASER CUT CARD, LLT; LINK AND LENGTH TRACKS, R TUBING), VF; VINYL FIGURES, VF; VACUUM FORMED (PLASTIC), WC; WOVEN CORD, WS; WATERSLIDE (DECALS)

MASTER BOX, UKRAINE

www.creativemodels.co.uk 1:35 FIGURE SETS New from Master Box is a dramatic set of five, running Soviet Marines carrying and firing various weapons. Sculpting is great and, importantly, the hands actually look like human body parts.

Perfect for a US-themed Afghanistan diorama, MB's new five-figure (plus one sheep) set includes a US tank crew in relaxed poses, talking to a local man and his ovine comrade about having the woolly little fellow as the main dish at a barbecue. The sheep that is, not the local man. As before, excellent detail and lifelike poses with hands that really do look natural.

1:35 SOVIET MARINES, ATTACK, 1941-1942 (MB35153) 1:35 MODERN US TANKMEN IN AFGHANISTAN “CAN WE BUY ONE OF YOUR SHEEP FOR A BBQ?” (MB35131)

AVIATTIC, UK

www.aviattic.co.uk 1:32 WW1 AIRCRAFT DECALLING These new sheets of camouflage fabric decal (waterslide) for WW1 German aircraft models are newly designed to incorporate several unique characteristics of this early printed aviation fabric and the effect is incredibly impressive.

No only is the weave of the cloth subtly depicted, but the colour overlap between the 'facets' is captured too, as well as the way the dye 'pooled' on the slightly oily flax fabric which was used during that era. The effect is an amazingly convincing, cloth-like finish that will look fantastic on Wingnut Wings, Roden and other companies' WW1 fighter kits.

• 1:32 JOINED AND TRIMMED 52.25” FABRIC (32/4U) • 1:32 JOINED AND TRIMMED 52.25” FABRIC (32/5L) • 1:32 FULL WIDTH 54” (32/5U) • FOKKER DV.II AND L LOZ CP (32/4U) • FULL WIDTH 54” (32/4L) TMMI 223 May 2014

p 60-61 NR Access 223MN.indd 61

61

31/03/2014 18:00

BuyersGuidesBuyersGuidesBuyersGui ADVERTISE HERE!

If you are reading this then so are thousands of others!

FOR INFORMATION call Claire alley on 01525 222573

AVIATION & MILITARY BOOK CENTRE Tel: 0845 260 4413 PO BOX 4413, ATHERSTONE, WARWICKSHIRE, CV9 9AS

Aviation and Military Books and Magazines

Hurricane models Tel: 01992 447346

7 Impresa Park, Pindar Road, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 0DL

10.00am - 4.00pm Monday to FRIDAY

Phone lines open 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-1pm Sat-Sun Phone, write or visit us online. sales@aviationbookcentre.com www.aviationbookcentre.com

Tamiya Radio Controlled Models and Plastic Model Kits of cars, bikes, boats, tanks and planes from Tamiya and most Major Brands always in stock.

Racks of paints and a range of Airbrushes always in stock.

mastercard/visa/switch/paypal/cheques/cash/postal orders

mastercard/visa/Switch/amex/delta

avid reader

Tel: 01299 823 330 Fax:01299 829 970

Unit 10, Hodfar Road, Sandy lane Ind Estate, Stourport On Severn, Worcestershire, DY13 9QB

Military, Aviation, Naval, Modelling, Railways, Car & Motorcycle Books 9.30 – 4.30 Monday to Friday By Appointment Only

www.bookworldws.co.uk

info@bookworldws.co.uk

Visa/MasterCard/Maestro

Gee DEE MODELS Tel: 0115 9412211 Fax: 0115 9417717

21 Heathcoat Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 3AF Moday to Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 9am-5.30pm Specialising in plastic kits, diecast, boats, planes and cars ESTABLISHED 1946

www.geedee-modelshop.com

MAIL ORDER

HALIFAX MODELLERS WORLD

Tel: 01422 349157

Halifax Modellers World , 29 Union Street, Halifax, HX1 1PR

All Models,All Makes,All Scales.

Opening Hours: Mon,Tues,Thur 10.30-17.30,Wed Closed, Fri 10.30-17.00,Sat 9.30-17.00,Sun 10.30-16.30

www.halifaxmodellersworld.co.uk

sales@hurricanemodels.co.uk www.hurricanemodels.co.uk

Kit krazy model shop Tel: 020 8298 7177

303 The Broadway, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8DT New and pre-owned kits. Collections bought and sold Aircraft, military, cars, ships, bikes & scifi (70p S.A.E for our list)

Opening hours: 9-30am-5.30pm (closed Wednesday & Sunday)

You can also find us at most major model and airshows throughout the year

www.kitkrazy.com

Up to 20% Discount on mail order

WWW.LITTLE-CARS.COM Tel: 01234 711980

(24hr answer phone)

We aim to stock all the tools and accessories you will ever need. Micro Mesh, Hold & Fold, Detailing Wire and Mesh, Iwata Airbrushes, MIG pigments, Adhesives.

FROM TINY TWEEZERS TO SIZEABLE SPRAY BOOTHS! Swan & Excel knives, Vallejo, Aztek Airbrushes, Actulite, A300S-D Extractor.

Lazertran Decal paper, Deluxe Rust & Snow, Zona Saws, Alclad II, Microbrushes...

Multimedia Car kits, Eduard, Sweet and Areotech Aircraft kits.

Buy direct or see us at your local model show

email: info@little-cars.co.uk

CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

HIROBOY

Tel: +44 (0)7977 125967

(8-00am - 4-30pm)

The UK’s largest mail order company specialising in Scale Automotive model kits with a large selection of aftermarket detailing parts, accessories, books and loads more Unit 59, Basepoint Business Centre, Oakfield Close, Tewkesbury Business Park, Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 8SD, United Kingdom.

Email:halifaxmodellersworld@fsmail.net

www.hiroboy.com Open: Monday-Thursday: 8.00-4.30, Friday: 8.00-2.30

HANNANTS MODEL SHOP

THE MODEL SHOP

Tel: 0208 205 6697 Fax: 01502 500521

Unit 2, Hurricane Trading Estate, Grahame Park Way, Colindale, NW9 5QW Open 10.00am - 5.30pm, THurs & Fri open until 7.00pm no1 in europe for plastic kits and accessories including the full range of tamiya (not RC) email: sales@hannants.co.uk

N

EW

!

1/2 Mile from RAF Museum

MASTERCARD/VISA SWITCH/AMEX

www.hannants.co.uk

Finescale model world ltd Tel/Fax: 01902 650077 MAIL ORDER AND WEBSITE SALES

plastic kits, airbrushes, primers, paints, tools, glues, static grass & accessories

www.finescalemodelworld.co.uk

finescalemodelrailways@gmail.com

p 62-63 BuyerGuide 223.indd 62

all major credit cards

Tel: 01606 47740 Fax: 01606 47740

167 Witton Street, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 5EA OPEN Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.00pm plastic kits, radio control, slot car & model railways MASTERCARD/VISA/SWITCH/AMEX email: themodelshop@fsmail.net

www.themodelshop.org

D-9 models

Tel/Fax: 01633 222282

D-9 Models, Newport Indoor Market, Newport, South Wales NP20 1DD

Monday to Saturday 9am - 4.30pm SPECIALIST PLASTIC KIT MODEL SHOP. Brands include tamiya, trumpeter, italeri, revell, dragon, afv, hasegawa, roden, eduard and more

www.d-9models.co.uk d.ninemodels@btconnect.com

all major credit cards. mail order

26/03/2014 12:28

W

SGUIDESBUYERSGUIDESBUYERSGUIDESBUYE

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE

Subscribe now and get the next 12 issues delivered to your door before before they hit the shops

£44 (UK) • £56 (Europe) • £69 (World-wide) • www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com Call: +44 (0)1525 222573 • Email: enquiries@adhpublishing.com

WEBDIRECTORYWEBDIRECTORYWEBDIRECTO www.hobbyco.net dragon.com

www.ebbro.com Finest Quality Models

www.creativemodels.co.uk

tamiya.com italeri.com

www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com www.missing-lynx.com www.hyperscale.com

p 62-63 BuyerGuide 223.indd 63

26/03/2014 12:29

Contact details for companies featured in TMMI... ● ACCURATE ARMOUR/ ARMOUR DISTRIBUTION Units 15-16 Kingston Industrial Estate, Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, PA14 5DG Scotland. Tel; 01475 743 955 Fax 01475 743746 www.accurate-armour.com ● THE AIRBRUSH COMPANY Ltd 79 Marlborough Road, Lancing Business Park, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 8UF, +44 (0) 1903 767800 www.airbrushes.com ● AIRCONNECTION Box 21227, RPO Meadowvale Mississauga, ON L5N 6A2, Canada Tel (905) 677-0016 Fax (905) 677-0582 sale@airconnection.on.ca info@airconnection.on.ca www.airconnection.on.ca ● AIRWAVES Via Hannants www.hannants.co.uk ● ALCLAD II No.5 St Georges Close, Bacton, Norfolk, NR12 0LL. www.alclad2.com Tel; 01692 652166, Fax; 01692 652334 ● AMPERSAND PUBLISHING (via Historex Agents in UK) 235 NE 6th Avenue #4 Delray Beach, Florida 33483-5543, USA Tel; 561-266 9686, Fax; 561-266-9786 ● ARCHER (Historex in UK) PO Box 1277 Youngsville, NC 275961277, USA www.archertransfers.com ● BADGER AIRBRUSH 9128 W. Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, IL 60131, USA 800-AIR-BRUSH • Fax: 800-57BADGER www.badgerairbrush.com customerservice@badgerairbrush.com ● BISON DECALS Available from www.hannants.co.uk and www.pdi-model-supplies.com ● CAMMETT AND CO (Lifecolour, Scale Caliber) Unit 5 Forest Road, Greenfield Industrial Estate, Hay-on-Wye, HR3 5FA, United Kingdom Phone; 01497 822757 Email; cammettco@btopenworld.com www.cammett.co.uk ● CLASSIC PUBLICATIONS Midland Counties Publications, 4 Watling Drive, Sketchley Lane Industrial Estate, Hinckley, Leics UK LE10 1YF Tel: +44(0) 1455 233 747, Fax: +44(0) 1455 233 737 midlandbooks@compuserve.com www.classic-publications.com ● CREATIVE MODELS LTD (Mig Productions, Vallejo, Accurate Miniatures); Unit 6-10, Honeysome Industrial Estate, Honeysome Road, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire PE16 6TG Tel/Fax; 01354 760022 www.creativemodels.co.uk info@creativemodels.co.uk ● CZECH SIX PUBLICATIONS 48 Station Road, Stoke D’Abernon, Cobham, Surrey, KT11 3BN UK Tel; 01932 866426 www.czechsixpublications.com ● DRAGON MODELS (The Hobby Company in UK) Dragon Models Ltd, Kong Nam Ind. Building B1-10F, 603-609 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan NT, Hong Kong Fax (HK) 4110587 www.dragonmodelsltd.com

(For 1:6 Action Figures, please contact Amerang in UK)

● ECHELON FINE DETAILS Available from; wwwaccurate-armour. com & http://pachome1.pacific.net. sg/~kriegsketten/

● EAGLE EDITIONS Ltd PO Box 580 Hamilton MT 59840 USA406 Tel; 363 5415, Fax; 406 375 9270 eagle@eagle-editions.com www.eagle-editions.com ● FANTASY PRINTSHOP The Palms Oasis, New Portreath Road, Bridge, Cornwall, TR16 4QL ● FROME MODEL CENTRE 1/2 Catherine Street, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1DA, UK +44 (0) 1373 465295 www.frome-model-centre.com enquiries@frome-model-centre.com ● GRAND PRIX MODELS 4 Thorpe Close, Thorpe Way, Banbury, OX16 4SW. Tel; 01295 278070 Fax; 01295 278072 www.grandprixmodels.com email@grandprixmodels.com ● GREENHILL BOOKS Park House, 1 Russell Gardens, London NW11 9NN, UK Tel 020 8458 6314 Fax 020 8905 5245 www.greenhillbooks.com L.Leventhal@greenhillbooks.com

● MODEL WHOLESALE UK LTD Unit 3 Dean Close, Raunds, Northants NN9 6BD Tel; 01892 680009 Fax:01892 522526 info@modelwholesaleuk.com www.modelwholesaleuk.com ● MODUNI VERSAND GMBH Böttgerstr. 2-14, 65439 Flörsheim, Germany Tel; 06145 5456-0 Fax; 06145 5456-11 info@moduni.de www.moduni.de ● MONROE PERDU Monroe Perdu Designs, 3168 Renee Court, Simi Valley, CA 93065, USA. www.monroeperdu.com ● PANZERWRECKS PO Box 164, Heathfield, Sussex TN21 8WA, UK www.panzerwrecks.com ● PEGASUS HOBBIES (Selected items via Pocketbond in UK) 5515 Moreno Blvd, Montclair, CA 91763 USA www.pegasushobbies.com

● GUNZE SANGYO MDC in the UK

● PLUS MODEL (Creative Models in UK) Jizni 56, 370 10 C. Budejovice, Czech Republic. plusmodel@plusmodel.cz www.plusmodel.cz

● HANNANTS Harbour Road, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR32 2LZ. Tel 01502 517444 Fax 01502 500521 www.hannants.co.uk sales@hannants.co.uk

● POCKETBOND LTD (Trumpeter & AFV Club in UK) PO Box 80, Welwyn, Hertfordshire, England, AL6 0ND Tel 01707 391509 Fax 01707 327 466 info@pocketbond.co.uk

● HIKOKI PUBLICATIONS LTD Ashtree House, Station Road, Ottringham, East Yorkshire, HU12 OBJ, UK

● POL MODELS 64 Cumberland Road, Acton, London, W3 6EY UK polmodels@aol.com

● HIROBOY (Zero Paints) Unit 59, Basepoint Business Centre Oakfield Close, Tewkesbury Business Park, Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 8SD UK Tel: 07977125967 (UK office hours only) www.hiroboy.com

● PSP MODELS LTD (Mission Models in USA) Unit 19B, Applin’s Farm, Farrington, Dorset DT11 8RA, UK Phone/fax: +44 (0)1747 811 817 www.psp-models.com

● HISTOREX AGENTS Wellington House, 157 Snargate Street, Dover, Kent, CT17 9BZ, UK Tel 01304 206720 Fax 01304 204528. www.historex-agents.co.uk sales@historex-agents.co.uk

● QUICKBOOST www.quickboost.net

● HOBBYLINK JAPAN Sano-shi, Kurohakama-cho 162-1 Tochigi 327-0813, Japan www.hlj.com ● HUSSAR PRODUCTIONS, CANADA www.airconnection.on.ca ● ITALERI (The Hobby Company in UK) Via Pradazzo, 6, I-40012 Calderara Di Reno, Bologna, Italy, Tel 051 726037 www.italeri.it ● JADAR-MODEL Zielna 8/103, 00-108 Warsaw, Poland www.jadar.com.pl hobby@jadarhobby.waw.pl ● LITTLE CARS Uncle Jacks, Lavendon Road Olney Bucks, MK46 4HH, UK www.little-cars.co.uk Tel (+44) 01234 711980 ● LSA MODELS Retail; 151 Sackville Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 3HD, England.

Tel/fax 01273 705420 lsamodels@McMAIL.com www.lsamodels.co.uk ● MIG PRODUCTIONS C/ Santiago Rusinol 7, Pral 2a, 08750 Molins de Rei, Barcelona, Spain www.migproductions.com In UK; Creative Models ● MODEL DESIGN CONSTRUCTION Unit 3 Hillstown Small Business Center, Mansfield Road, Bolsover, Derbyshire.

S44 6LE. Tel; +(44)1246 82 77 55 orders@modeldesignconstruction.com www.modeldesignconstruction.com

● PRO-ART MODELS www.proartmodels.be

● REVELL AG Revell GmbH & Co Orchard Mews/18C High St, Tring, HP23 5AH 01442 890285 ukbranch@revell.de ● RZM PUBLISHING (Greenhill Books In UK) PO Box 995, Southbury, CT 06488 USA Tel; (USA) 203 264 0774 www.rzm.com ● SCHATTON BARRELS Industriestrasse 6, 94347 Ascha, Germany, Fax 09961 910 7826 www.modellbau-schatton.privat.t-online.de email; modellbau.schatton@t-online.de ● SCHIFFER BOOKS Schiffer Publishing, 4880 Lower Valley Rd, Atglen, PA, 19310 USA www.schifferbooks.com ● SCHIFFER BOOKS in UK Bushwood Books, No.6 Marksbury Avenue, Kew Gardens, Surrey TW9 4JF, UK. Tel +44(0)20 8392 8585, +44(0)20 8392 9876, email; info@bushwodbooks.co.uk ● SCHUMO KITS Axel’s-Modellbau-Shop Axel und Bernd Schulze OHG Braustraße 2a 37170 Uslar, Germany Phone: +49 (0) 5571 919 100 Fax: +49 (0) 5571 919 101 www.schumo-kits.com ● SQUADRON.COM Squadron Mail Order 1115 Crowley Drive Carrollton, TX 75006 - 1312. USA ● STUDIO 27 (Grand Prix Models in UK) www.studio27.co.jp

● SCALE MOTORSPORT No.3 Topside Lane, Newtown, Connecticut 06470-2023, USA www.scalemotorsport.com In UK; Grand Prix Models ● THE SMALL SHOP PO Box 580, Kalama WA 98625, USA Tel/fax; (360) 673-1255 info@thesmallshop.com www.thesmallshop.com ● SYLMASTA Halland House, Dale’s Yard, Lewes Rd, Scaynes Hill, West Sussex, RH17 7PG Tel; +44(0)1444 415027, Fax; +44(0)1444 458606.

Email; sylmasta@aol.com ● TAMIYA JAPAN Tamiya, Inc., 3-7 Ondawara Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8610 Japan www.tamiya.com ● TAMIYA UK; THE HOBBY COMPANY LIMITED Garforth Place, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PG, UK Tel; 01908 605686 Fax; 01908 605666 enquiries@hobbyco.net www.hobbyco.net ● TANK MODEL, RUSSIA www.tank-model.ru www.afvmodeller.com ● TANK WORKSHOP 345 Wynbrook Drive McDonough, GA, 30253 USA Tel; (770) 573-1409, Fax; (770) 573-0479 www.tankworkshop.com ● TRUMPETER www.trumpeter-china.com Pocketbond in the UK ● TUNGSTEN DRILLS Allan Sidney No.6, Park Gardens, Holbeach, Lincolnshire, PE12 7PJ allansid@aol.com ● U-MODELS 1103, rue de Feucherolles 78630, Orgeval, France www.u-models.com ● VERLINDEN PRODUCTIONS (Historex in UK) 811 Lone Star Drive, O’Fallon, Missouri 63366, USA (636) 379-0077 www.verlindenonline.com ● VALLEJO (Creative Models in UK) Acrylicos Vallejo, SL Apartado 337 08800 Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona, Spain Tel; (34) 93 893 60 12 Fax; (34) 93 893 11 54 www.acrylicosvallejo.com ● WORLD WAR TWO BOOKS Military History Books Ltd (Mail order address, callers by appointment) 2 Cysgod Y Bryn, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 4LR, United Kingdom Tel; 01970 623778 sales@worldwartwobooks.com www.worldwartwobooks.com ● WIDESPREAD SOLUTIONS Unit 1 Levens Hall Park, Lund Lane, Killinghall, Harrogate, West Yorkshire HG3 2BG, UK. Tel; +44(0)1423 522836 Fax; +44(0)1423 525656 info@graphicair.co.uk www.graphicair.co.uk ● WHITE ENSIGN MODELS Unit 5, Cobnash Industrial Estate, Kingsland, Leominster, Herefordshire, HR6 9RW, UK. Tel: 08444150914, Fax: 08444150916 wem@onetel.com www.WhiteEnsignModels.com

■ Please mention ‘Tamiya Model Magazine’ if you make contact with any of the companies listed above - thanks!

64 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 64-65 Contact NI 223MN.indd 64

31/03/2014 17:42

NEXT ISSUE

The next issue of TMMI is June 2014 (No.224), on sale May 15th

HIDDEN TIGER

Tamiya’s 1:48 Tiger I Late-Production in a hull-down diorama

HIGH-TECH HYBRID HYPERCAR!

DESTROYER IN THE NIGHT

Tamiya’s 1:24 LaFerrari in detail

Eduard’s 1:72 Messerschmitt Bf110E nightfighter

...AND MUCH MORE, OF COURSE!

Due to the many factors that can influence the appearance (or non-appearance) of a model in TMMI, the items listed here are shown on a provisional basis only. We endeavour to bring you these articles, but please be patient if they do not feature, as all sorts of things can happen to prevent them from appearing on time… Thank you for your understanding!

Order online now at; www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com ISSUE No.223 MAY 2014 PUBLISHED ON APRIL 17th 2014 Editor; Marcus Nicholls Consultant Editor (USA); Stan Spooner, Editorial Assistant; Matt Benfield Publisher; Alan Harman Graphic Design; Alex Hall TMMI Website; The ADH web team Advertising Sales; Claire Alley Advertising Assistant; Joe Brown Office Manager; Paula Gray Administration Manager; Hannah McLaurie Special Forces Consultant; Hugh Dairswins Printed by; Symbian Print Intelligence, Hertfordshire, UK Distributed by; Seymour Distribution, 2 East Poultry Avenue, London, EC1A 9PT Tel; 020 7429 4000 Newstrade; Select Publisher Services, 3 East Avenue, Bournemouth, BH3 7BW Tel; 01202 586848 Email; tim@selectps.com Tamiya Model Magazine is published on the third Thursday of each month by ADH Publishing. Editorial enquiries; editor@tamiyamodelmagazine.com All other enquiries to; enquiries@adhpublishing.com Tamiya Model Magazine, ADH Publishing, Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK. Telephone; +44 (0)1525 222573 Editorial enquiries;+44 (0)7904 635 694 Fax; +44 (0)1525 222574. Back Issues; From £4.20 Inc. P&P. Back issues from #75 onwards (excluding #79) are available from the UK address below, or online at www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com

Reproduction in part of any text, photograph, or illustration without written consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited. While due care is taken to ensure the contents of Tamiya Model Magazine is accurate, the publishers and printers can not accept responsibility for errors and omissions. Advertisements are accepted for publication in Tamiya Model Magazine only on ADH Publishing’s standard terms of acceptance of advertising, copies of which are available from the advertising department. Please write to the address below. All editorial, advertising, circulation and subscription enquiries should also be directed to the UK address below.

Subscription rates are; 1 year (12 issues); £44 UK, £56 Europe, £69 Worldwide Binders; £8.50 + P&P (UK-£2.45, Europe-£4.45, Worldwide-£6.45).

All prices include postage and packing. For all orders, please call (UK) +44(0)1525 222573 or visit www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com Digital subscriptions available from www.pocketmags.com

© ADH Publishing 2014

CONTACT INFO: Tel: +44(0)1525 222 573 Fax: +44(0)1525 222 574 Editorial enquiries: +44(0)7904 635 694 Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX, UK www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com Editorial email: editor@tamiyamodelmagazine.com Other enquiries: enquiries@adhpublishing.com www.tamiyamodelmagazine.com

The paper used on this title is from sustainable forestry

✁

TO MY NEWSAGENT...

Please order Tamiya Model Magazine International for me and reserve/deliver a regular copy starting with issue:-

Name: ..............................................................................................................................................................................................

Address: ........................................................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ ............................................................................................................................................................................................................

Telephone: .......................................................................................................................................................................................

TMMI 223 May 2014

p 64-65 Contact NI 223MN.indd 65

65

02/04/2014 15:53

The Editor’s Page...

A TAMIYA CLASSIC GETS A WELCOME RE-VAMP

The new engine parts can be seen above; the forward deck has been re-engineered with a separate engine access panel. New figures are included, as is a small but crucial photo-etched fret, providing grilles.

FORD GPA SWIMS IN It’s amazing to think that Tamiya’s much loved 1:35 kit of the Ford GPA ‘¼ ton 4x4 amphibious truck’, or SEEP (Sea-going Jeep) is forty years old, but it certainly is and it has stood the test of time well.

Naturally, model kit technology has moved on in those four decades but the detail and moulding accuracy of this small but involving kit still looks excellent, making it an ideal candidate for a mild upgrade. In this 2014 release, the kit now comes with engine detail moulded within an engine bay that can be shown off thanks to a re-engineered forward upper deck. This deck moulding now features separate engine and cooling covers with a photo-etched grille for the main radiator ‘lid’, a very nice touch. Photo-etched grilles are also provided for the sides of the body, plus the engine-cover prop. A newly tooled, three-man crew is in the box too, making this a very appealing production.

See you again on May 15th! editor@tamiyamodelmagazine.com

66 May 2014 TMMI 223

p 66 EditorsPage 223MN.indd 66

31/03/2014 17:43

D6679 Find us on facebook search Plastic Kits UK

p 67 Dragon 223.indd 8

Dragon Kits are distributed in the UK by The Hobby Company Limited, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8PG See the full Dragon range at www.hobbyco.net Dragon models are available from all good model shops

26/03/2014 12:35